Generally guys do usually pick up on hints, so I say be more direct he will probably be a little hurt at first but will appreciate your honesty. Guys hate games and by trying to drop little hints or acting a certain way he isn't going to pick up on your i'm not interested message rather think that you are playing him.
If you can't think of a way to bring it up maybe after he has done/said something nice for you let him know he's a great friend, if he likes you he will react a little strangely maybe confused kind of hurt, then you can politely ask him if he's ok with you guys just being friends because your not looking for anything else with him, yes the conversation will be awkward but at least the message is clear and he'll be able to move on.
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Generally guys do usually pick up on hints, so I say be more direct he will probably be a little hurt at first but will appreciate your honesty. Guys hate games and by trying to drop little hints or acting a certain way he isn't going to pick up on your i'm not interested message rather think that you are playing him.
If you can't think of a way to bring it up maybe after he has done/said something nice for you let him know he's a great friend, if he likes you he will react a little strangely maybe confused kind of hurt, then you can politely ask him if he's ok with you guys just being friends because your not looking for anything else with him, yes the conversation will be awkward but at least the message is clear and he'll be able to move on.
The direct approach works best.
ignore him
if that doesn't work tell him that u r not interested and u would lik if he would LAY OFF