Been through this, and I would recommend distancing yourself. Young, immature partners will sometimes tend to think it's cool to appear disinterested or unavailable even if they like someone. However, if he told you how he felt, but you are struggling to accept it, then that's something different. In some cases, when it starts to get serious, some may feel stifled because they are starting to feel things they didn't expect or maybe the relationship is heading in a direction they did not expect. However, instead of communicating, they use avoidance, distance, or dismissive communication because they're not sure how to handle it. Some people tends to use a lot of "busy" work to avoid dealing with an issue, or to avoid having to express negative feelings to a partner.
I would recommend not communicating with him anymore if you can help it. You really don't need the heartache or stress that comes with someone who can't be available, sincere, or honest. When they are hot and cold, it becomes too much of a game and you may not really be sure it will work. Believe me, it hurts worst to stick around and be hopeful than to let it go. I know it's tough to ignore your feelings, especially if they are intense or strong. However, it will do more damage to attach yourself even further to someone who is not reciprocating. It's not healthy or worth it in the long run. This doesn't mean you should suppress your feelings or pretend it wasn't meaningful, because you have every right to feel the way you do, but don't waste time on someone who doesn't appreciate those feelings or doesn't appreciate you. You shouldn't need games to keep the interest of someone if they are really and truly interested.
You shouldn't have to fight to keep someone's attention. Reserve that effort for someone who makes the effort, and makes you feel as if you are a priority in their life, not just when they have free time or when they're not busy. That's just an excuse, and a horrible one. When someone cares, they will make time. They may not be able to give you all their time, but they will make time. Your needs are important, and you have a right to expect them to be met with a partner who wishes to be involved with you. A true and considerate partner cares about your feelings, and would want you to feel secure, not confused. If a guy needs you to avoid him, just to remind him that you should be noticed, he's not worth it. Sorry. This is especially true if you're someone who values the emotional aspects more, and doesn't have casual relationships, and invests quite a bit of yourself in relationships. You don't need your heart being played like a yo-yo. It has better uses, and there more likely others who will appreciate it more.
I am not sure how anyone enjoys a relationship by holding back. If you have to keep wondering what he is feeling or thinking, and if keeps making himself scarce, let him go. He's not being respectful or responsible partner. If he can make time for his friends, he should be able to make time for you. If he doesn't want to be in the relationship, yes I am going to say it, he should be "man" enough to tell you, and be honest (but respectful) about it, rather than showing interest one minute then unavailable the next. You don't need the headache or the heartache. Even if he's avoiding you because he doesn't want to hurt you, he's still being a coward. He should still be honest with you, so that you know where he stands. If he can't, then he's not the right one, even if your feelings are strong and intense. Sometimes, our feelings can lead us to pursue things that are not good for us in the long term. It maybe the hardest thing to accept and move on from, but it's better to let go now in the end.
Edit: And just because someone doesn't make or return the effort, doesn't mean you don't deserve it. You're worth it. He doesn't deserve you.