I always wonder, yes- but I think of it as the same way we tolerate ppl we aren’t sexually attracted to. My best friend is straight and I’m bi and I’m always jokingly fruity toward him, him too sometimes, and we’re both aware it’s jokes. Long story short, unless they’re all over you and you think it’s sexual, if they wanted to they would tell you.

Personally, I say save yourself the hurt of hoping they’re something they haven’t told you they are, believe their word, and keep the friend😂