Should I just bluntly ask??

We started off with romantic interest and then he got cold feet after things seemed to be going well over doing long distance between us. Said he wanted to continue being friends. I said okay and we keep in touch maybe like 1x a week. Well this past week he’s been pretty flirty with me, like not in a way a friend would if that makes sense. For example asking to see my tan lines after sun bathing or googly eyes and commenting on a selfie I took in a bikini. So now I’m confused? While I’m flattered, idk if he has a change of mind? Do I straight up ask what’s up? Because I don’t want this cycle to continue for me feeling confused or interpreting it wrong of him going out of his way and flirting here and there with me after saying he wants to be friends? I know he likes me, as do I. Do you think he may be “fishing”? And no I never got the sense there was another girl, he just told me he’s never done long distance (I have) and concerned it may be too hard.