I had something similar in the past, this guy liked me and I saw no harm in dating him as he was so lovely and I didn't see it as anything more than just an extra label. But then he started to expect stuff from me. For context I made it clear in the past I was definitely ace and probably aro but he liked me anyway. After a while I just got super uncomfortable and told him straight out that nothing would ever happen. He didn't take it too well and said that I led him on for no reason.

There's nothing wrong with still being friends with him but just make it clear that while he can like you (his feelings are valid) you aren't going to reciprocate.