Originally Posted by
Aegis
I'm inclined to believe he does have an interest in you.
Perhaps he's at ease when in a forced situation because he perceives that the two of you really had no choice, so he's in no danger of annoying or offending you. Shy otherwise (when you are not forced together)? Perhaps he is worried that he might "screw up" and fall into your disfavor.
Regarding the "imagining things" comment, hearing that would certainly be disheartening if he had his sights on you. On the other hand, I've run away from situations in which I felt I might be pressured into doing something that would end up making me look like an ass.
In short, I think he was feeling pressured and decided to defuse the situation in the safest way possible.