Is he hiding his feelings for me?

I am very into this guy but he is a friend of my ex boyfriend. This guy was also into me but rejected me due to the fact I was his friends ex. I do understand this, but if you have true feelings and a connection you cannot just let that go in my opinion. Also, my ex did not treat me well, not trying to have sex with me for the last months before we broke up, when I asked him why he liked me he could not answer the question and just gave a vague answer that we could be together forever, also after I broke up with him he had a new girlfriend after 3 months.

The guy I like confirmed he liked me too, but we liked each other when I technically had a relationship with his friend (I already told my ex I wanted to break up but my ex manipulated me in staying with him, by saying he would die if I dumped him and he would not be able to let me go). It was all very messy and I did not expect catching feelings for one of my boyfriend’s friends.

I have asked this guy if he wanted to try to get know each other more by going out with each other, but he said he does not have feelings for me anymore. However, he still looks at me the same way, and stares at me for a couple of seconds without saying anything. His eyes glister when we lock eyes.

Also something weird is that I made a comment about his sweatpants, which made him insecure. And a month later when we met with friends, he did not wear sweatpants but put it in his bag and he looked me in the eyes to explain why he did not wear sweats pants this time… which was so weird to me, like why do you care so much if you do not like me anymore. Also, our connection and the way we talk is still the same and we have this magical attraction that makes us come to each other without trying. It is just very weird and confusing, but a connection and feeling I do not want to let go of. I just feel that he is not honest with me.