I like this guy a lot but I don't know if he likes me back :(?

I have known this kid since year 2 but I have never really talked to him until, last year and we have became best friends, and I have started to like him a lot, we have so much in common, but the other day I told him that I liked him, but he all ways avoids that I said that and changes the subject, we go to different schools, but how do u know if he likes me, or am I in the friend zone.