He may "like" girls but he seems totally uneasy to take it any further, even in play flirting.
He becomes all gauche and awkward.
So gay would be a good reason, or he is a nob. Or both.
Also, if he is in the market for a girlfriend, and he allegedly is reputed to be handsome, though that escapes me, then I think Lateysha is somewhat below his expectation of a possible partner.
If he shows interest in her it will just be for the cameras, and be short lived.