One of my guy friend, who I know is not a creep, unless he has a hidden identity
really liked this one girl who I happened to be a friend of. Like a lot... for a year.
So basically, like how your friend had introduced him to you, I introduced my guy friend to the girl. They hit it off fine and talked a lot, texted, etc. Now, to you this may sound like a normal relationship, but it started off with my guy friend giving her little presents. On occasions where presents can be given, he made sure he had something for her. Like Valentine's Day, he bought chocolates for her, but he also made sure he had chocolates for other people too (so he's not being suspicious).
Then, after they actually became friend due to a mutual friend, ahem me, he started getting things for her directly. At first, the girl told me it was sweet, but kind of weird since they weren't going out. However, she accepted them anyway to be courteous. After presents after presents, I think she finally got the idea.
Honestly, after years of knowing him, my guy friend wasn't the type to actually directly tell the girls he liked that he liked them. So the girl actually made the first "move."
They dated for couple months but now they've broken up... it wasn't like a bad break up. He treated her like a princess and she liked that.
So, the moral of this story? Perhaps you need to see what's up with him and decide for yourself. We can't see whether or not your guy is a good guy or the bad guy. Only you will know this.
& good idea about going to public places. Watch his actions. How does he respond to this? How does he interact with others around him? & since you've mentioned about seeing him in a nonpaying level, why not suggest to do something with him? Amusement park? Study together? The possibilities are endless.
So you should see if he genuinely likes you. If your feelings are mutual, go for it.