How can I tell him nicely?

I have a friend, I would consider him one of my best friends. I tell him almost everything! Yesteday I was venting to him about something and he said "man you need to get over this or else I'll never get a chance with you" I acted like I didn't hear him say that and just said "what?" It's been bothering me so much because I don't want to hurt him or make it seem as if I'm giving him false hope by talking to him everyday. How can I approach him over what he said in a nice way? I've given him hints like I've said "thank you for being a great friend!" But that's not clear enough 😅