I like someone who is gay.

This is really awkward but I met someone at my workplace and it was very obvious that he is gay when I first met him.

He confuses me to be honest because he tends to openly praise me in front of everyone. I have lots of gay friends so I'm aware and used to how affectionate they are. This one's really different. It's as if he's flirting with his crush. He tends to say things to me that none of my gay friends would even do. He always try to make me feel special and all.

I've really fallen for that so I decided to just distance myself because this is really weird and hopeless. He was clearly upset with that. I tried so hard to be cold but he will still reach out and try to get close. We were now at the point where he's mad and thinks I'm just a bad person. I feel bad about it and already left that job.

It's been months now and I still think of him. But what can I do? I'm just setting myself for a bigger heartbreak if I allow him to get close even more.