Help about figuring my friend out. I am really confused :/?

Okay. So!! I'm a guy, my best friend is a guy, and I cannot figure him out. Firstly I have a suspition that he may be gay. Now I know your all thinking, ooh the old gay question. Is he? Well, for a start, I have known him for a long time and we are very close. Sorry, VERY close. He tells me how boring his life would be withought me, which is really sweet :) . We watch dvd's in my room and we often lay on the bed and I support his back with my arm. I guess it's like suggling I guess. My other guy friend enjoys this because it is , veery comfortable. But recently, my best friend has grabbed my hand, and gently hd my hand. This is the third time he has done this. Also, when we were watching my pendulum DVD, he moved around and placed my hand around his abb-area, round about the bottom of his torso. He enjoys giving hugs. He hardly ever gives hugs to girls, and when he does they are rather short. he is much more relaxed around me, and while at my house, gives frequent hugs. More so than usual recently. When we part, I.e. When he leaves my house after a get-together, he becomes depressed and lonely. I remember havin this feeling with my girl friend. He never shows the same loving side in public. He tried to speak to me about who he "fancied" and we were on a school trip together. He said it was someone on our trip. I went through all the girls names and he said no to all of them ? I now think he ment me. I love him to bits, I'm not gay, but we are close friends. If he came out, that would change nothing. I really wanna find out, so I know how to react and behave in public and out of public so I make him as comfortable as possable. I really hope all u guys and girls out there fully consider the situation, and help me work out his position. As I said, I know what I am doing, I am very gentle and know he is very shy. I would never approach him about it, i will let him lead his own life, and speak how he wants, when he wants, and says wht he wants. Thx everyone!!!