Is it normal to be "ignored" by someone who might like you?

I know what you are thinking, here is another gal who's whining about guys. But seriously now.
I met this guy on my trip abroad. We are the same age, we tease each other and laugh. He has this weird behavior though. My acquaintances have "caught" him admiring me "a la distance", whenever I would talk with some other person he would show up by my side and wait until I would turn to him and ask him "what is up?" (keeps on doing that). And would also poke my arm or do something silly like imitate me to make me smile.

He has asked for my number, I tried twice to ask him out but we never ended up deciding on a time and place.

Many people commented on our friendship, on how we are alike and have the same tastes in music etc. He did not protest when someone "accidentally" pushed me into him while sitting on a couch.

So I finally told him that I found him cute and amusing. He gave me a rather tight hug, saying that he just got out of a long relationship, but asked if I am returning soon. I did not say anything about any relationship, I just complimented him.

When it was time to say "farewell", he tried to ignore me, as if I was not there. I honestly thought "Maybe I shouldn't have told him that I liked him.". Like usual, he sits nearby me and the people I talk to, I noticed that he was around a girl and trying to get a glimpse of my reaction but I acted as if he was never there.

I am planning on studying there next semester anyways. He kept asking and asking this... This is like a puzzle for me, so I hope you'll help me out somehow :3