Bad Habits: Cuddling w/ just friends

okay so today and this summer in general, I’ve just wanted to cuddle, hardcore, just human contact. My first thoughts for cuddle buddy is my best friend in the entire world. The problem is everyone then thinks we are dating. I love him, and ya I have made out with him, sue me. I liked him, he kissed me and well it was bad. But okay, point being, he texts me today and is like I dreamt I made out with a girl (99% sure it was you). I just want to cuddles with a cute girl like you. I’m also in a cuddly mood so I was like man wish you were here we could cuddle and watch the incredibles! (odd craving I have that I will satisfy eventually - cuddling alone :P) BUT the point of the title here is it’s a bad habit of mine. I love him, we’re comfortable and we can both benefit from physical touch like cuddling BUT I don’t want to walk that line again. I legitimately got over him this summer. I broke his heart when he actually asked me out. I didn’t think it would hurt him (long story, ask if u care ha) but he was mad for days aka in guy language he was hurt. I just want my best friend, but because we used to cuddle and stuff I’m afraid he will just be mad when I refuse. I want to cuddle too, but I have to appear single or else life is just going to go down the same road again as it has the past 2 years. I’m afraid to lose my best friend, esp when we want the same things, just they aren’t good for us.. IF you read all this, and any of it made sense, thank you.