So, my best friend and I have known each other for close to a decade. He knows everything about my life and he is the first one I would confide in. We have had our shares of ups and downs, and despite it all, our friendship survived it.

So I visited him recently after a long time since we live far away and it was great. We reminisced and we talked about everything under the sun and it was magical and nostalgic. However, towards the end of my visit, he kept asking me if I must leave (I had to because I had work to get back to). Then he started to come closer to me, playfully tickling me (not in a creepy way). He had usually kept a distance from me (perhaps usually only sitting close to me but that was it). But then he started hugging me and looking into my eyes and sighing and again asking me if i must leave. These were long, lingering hugs and then when it was time to leave, he actually picked me up a bit and twirled me around (again something he has never done before). He "playfully" carried me (nope for sure never done it before) and was behaving like a teenager till I left and was genuinely upset when I teased him that I would not come back and visit.

It left me so confused. Anyways, fast forward to a few weeks, and it's back to the same. He usually replies to my texts (usually it is me who texts him and he replies) so it is not unusual. We talked as usual over the phone. He did tell me a few times that he would always be there until I got into a relationship (I am single now). But otherwise for the most part, it's his usual self. I have never known him to be a touchy-feely hugger so I am so confused now. Like, does he like me as more than a friend? Is he hesitating? Or is it all in my head and I am over-thinking it?

I do like him very much of course. And sometimes I've even caught myself thinking of what if it went beyond friendship as well

It was quite upsetting but I guess I will get over it - he said that he likes me as a friend and would always be there for me.
My gut keeps telling he is sending me mixed signals or something but I take him at his word. I decided not to talk about it further and he said he wouldn't bring it up either.
I am quite upset because I feel that he is holding back something - it is unlike him to respond this way - usually he would give me an entire lecture or be upfront on how it was silly I thought so, etc. Maybe he was just being sensitive about my feelings. Either way, it is not right to push this conversation further.
I am just taking a step back and doing some thinking.

From what I see he is flirting, does he have a girlfriend?