I understand where you were a year ago -- I've been loved by people I didn't love back in that way, and I've wished I did. And I kinda understand how he feels -- it hurts him to be near you, so he's trying to cut you off.

If I had to guess, he thought he was everything you needed or wanted. He's been your friend forever so he's obviously a great guy, he's talented, he's pretty as all hell (I'm a straight dude, and I'll grant him that)... and yet, you don't want him in that way.

This is wounded pride, as much as unrequited love. He was all he could be to make you love him, and it wasn't enough. Unless it turns out that you've liked girls all this time, or you've had hardcore intimacy issues, he thinks he's failed, and that hurts. It doesn't occur to him that you're just telling him no -- not judging him unworthy.

It all makes sense... in that stupid wounded male pride kind of way. And as much as I hate to speak ill of a fellow red-haired pretty-boy, let alone one I've never met, I think he's being an idiot. I hope he comes to his senses soon, and I hope you haven't written him off by the time he's grown past all this.