What does he (M22) mean by his comments to me (F22)?

Hello everyone,

I will keep this reasonably vague, as I don't want to compromise anyone. I am also incredibly bad at reading situations like these- I have accidentally rejected many men at this point.

I have a friend at college who I get along relatively well with and have nice rapport with most the time. When we initially saw each other at the beginning of the semester he was pleased, and said he remembered and liked me from one single tutorial group we were in previously. I faintly recognized him and we have been friends since.

One thing I've always noticed, is how he defends me, from both my self deprecating comments, and from others. Recently we went on a night out, and we both got hammered which was a new for us both. I got into an argument with someone of high influence, and he stepped in to validate and cheer me on, despite it being a difficult situation. We continued drinking and eventually ended up hanging out most the evening and making one another laugh. Eventually, wd reach 4am and are chatting about anything and everything.

We get into the topic of a girl he was involved with, who he's in a mess situation with. I give wholly honest and nuanced advice to the situation, despite having a small crush myself on him. It's well worth remembering we are incredibly drunk at this point , so it was probably just slurring affirmations at one another.

It's just confusing though, because he seems to highly enjoy my company when we're together, yet he will rarely if ever text me ( not the same case with our mutual friend, M22). Does he appear to like me as a friend or more to you guys?