i like this guy and i never know if he is flirting or just being friendly

I met this guy this previous school year. And i started really talking to him in March . I feel like we really get each other. We always joke around. We both have a good sense of humor. I had most of my classes with him. We tease each other a little but in a funny kinda way . My friend who kinda knows him told him to ask me out , and he said " no, im not looking for a gf" (which is totally fine with me ) and he is "it would be awkward." and my friend asked "do you like her ?" and he said "no just as a friend." and i am wondering why it would be awkward if he doesnt like me . I have seen him all summer cause i am afriad of asking him to hang out , he really isnt friends with the people in my social group. I dont know what to do. During the end of the year , he would sit next to me during class & steal my purse. And one time we spent a whole reading period laughing and talking (about 20 minutes) and perviously that day a friend of his (a girl) annoyed him and she said "im sorry ..." and he said "its okay.. you can be my best friend again but you have to fight **insert my name here** for it." he said it while smiling .. and i have NO idea if he was just joking or kinda serious... was it flirting or not .. i have no clueee

HELP!