Should I Give Up?

So, here’s the deal... I’m 16, a sophomore in highschool, supposed to be a junior—- I’ve known this guy since 6th grade. He’s amazing. And we used to like each other but then I left the school for 8th grade. He wanted me to stay but I didn’t cause I was having a really hard time. I came back for freshman year and we didn’t talk at all... finally this year.. we JUST started talking again. I found out he missed talking with me when we weren’t speaking. We went out to the movies in a group and my parents are really strict and don’t let me watch whatever I want. However he said, “it doesn’t matter what movie we watch, we just want to hangout with you..” he assured me of this about 5 times that night. We were having an awesome time and we went to Target just to look at stuff for fun and literally I could be doing anything with him— even the most boring thing and it would still be a blast.

Here’s where it gets tricky. We have been best friends for forever. We go to a private Christian school and we both love Jesus.. (but we aren’t the kind who judge others if they aren’t a Christian.. we aren’t the annoying goody goodies.. we’re pretty chill.. ) anyways our school has always been like, “no PDA, making out, relationships..” you know? So lately, after all this fun we were having just hanging out and FINALLY TALKING (my life was hell not speaking with him) he starts acting strange.. he’s kind of ignoring me and being shy and quiet.. and talking with him feels like I’m pulling teeth! I’ve examined what I’ve been doing and I don’t think I’ve done anything to anger him. This happens on and off.. and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. We’ve been through so much together and he’s always been there for me and such a gentleman. (I love him... I really do.. im a virgin and have never been kissed either..) anyways, I just wanna know— does he like me? Or what?

He acts sweet and normal when we aren’t in a large crowd but at school he just changes and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong..

is he scared of our school’s policies? (Plus our school is small like 300 people and everyone knows everyone and since nobody dates.. and everything gets around, people flip when someone dates or even likes somebody..) Or does he just not like me.. ?? Can anybody relate? I’m just so tired of wondering... I wanna start healing as soon as possible.. I just feel bad for letting go, Since we have been so close for years.. it’s hard so explain...

please help if you have any advice I’d love to hear it. :)

EXTRAS: we have lots in common but not too much, we are a great balance. We have lots of the same dreams and when we talk about our future.. you know marriage, kids.. I always feel like we think of the future with each other.. but we have NEVER dated. And we know we used to like each other. He’s the ONLY person I’ve ever liked.