Well thnk about it from his point of view, maybe he is in a similair situation that you are in, maybe he does really like you but he is shy or is afraid to tell you the truth about thew way he feels abuot you. i think you should call him and tell him, online relationships are not good, because you are not interacting with the person actual emotions, its all typed stuff and smily faces. If you do think he is the best thign that has happened to you, dont let him go, maybe if you open up to him, you can see what he really thinks about you. Maybe you could even stay in touch when you leave for college.
I cant think of anyreason this kid has to ly to you that he likes you, i dont think he would, the only reason he might have is to make him seem cooler cause he has a "crush" on a prety girl. When you are with eachothers friends,talk to your other friends also, but dont act like you are trying to avoid him, come over to him and start a convorsation or something.