As rumors like this ever happened to you?

I know this guy for more than 6 years. When we were just in 1st grade, this rumor started that he likes me. Things got along and he said that he doesn't like in that way. The rumor cont. for 5 years, we were like great friends, we would talk and share our feelings until he got into 6th grade. Everything changed he started ignoring me only smiles at me when ever we p in the hall. The rumor was still going on, so sometimes when we see each other in school his and/or my friends would try to push us together and when that happens he always blushes and try to run away. Then when the school year is about to end he waited for me and the gate a couple times after school and we will walk home together and talk. One time I asked him if the rumor is really true and that is he really likes me and he said 'No way" not showing any weird emotions. I still wonder today if he really did like me after all those signs he showed. What do you think?