Guy wanting to be closer after rejecting u

Sa

Met a guy on an app, dated for 3 months. He never kissed me, I decided to ask if we were friends or dating and he said we’re just friends. Even tho there is tension and flirting? And we had picnics, dinner dates and activity dates

Since he made that decision he has been texting me more often, checking in on me and seeming more interested?? I’m just trying to think of him as a friend now

It’s really confusing? Y’all have any thoughts?