Developing feelings for my ex's close friend.. needs advice

This is probably a bit of a mess, but I genuinely need some outside perspective.

My ex (M25) and I (F24) were together for nearly 3 years. There’s a guy who has been my ex’s close friend since childhood. Me and my ex broke up about a year ago. The relationship was abusive and I’ve completely moved on. We’ve been no contact ever since the breakup.

I’ve only met this friend a few times in person. (My ex was going through a rough patch and didn’t meet his friends for a long time so I didn’t really have a chance to get to know them well, though I met all of them). Even back then, I felt like this friend and I clicked really well.

A few months ago, this friend suddenly started liking basically all my social media posts, obviously knowing my ex and I had broken up. He still keeps me on his Close Friends list on insta, and even liked my post on different platform when he hadn’t been active on it for several months. He previously mentioned that constantly liking someone’s story/posts is his way of showing interest. Plus he told me that his family member (who me and my ex bumped into) complimented about my look to him. That made me start thinking about him again and wondering if the chemistry I’d felt before was actually mutual. (plus same interests etc, similiar backgrounds etc)

Fast forward to this month: I replied to one of his stories after not speaking for ages. (the only time we actually spoke was sending holiday wishes) and we ended up having a really natural, long conversation. Now I’ve suddenly realised that I am really attracted to him, and I’m trying to figure out why.

I barely interact with men outside of a few close friends, and I haven’t dated anyone for nearly a year since the breakup. (i just enjoyed being single, even though there were guys who were interested in me). The obvious problem is that he’s my ex’s childhood friend, and they’re close. If anything were to happen, it could potentially cause drama within their social circle (and I do not want my ex back in my life in any shape or form).

I’m not looking for a serious relationship right now, but I do want to get to know him better. (We live in different cities now, but I’m moving back to his city in a few months).

My questions are:

1. Based on his behavior, is he showing interest in me in any forms?
2. Do you think he will tell my ex that I’ve messaged him, especially since my ex and I are completely no contact? (I really don't want my ex knowing anything about my life).
3. should i continue talking to him and potentially meet up when im back in the city?

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!