Was Leo in denial?

Like... I get that it's a movie and all, but obviously the story represents real life experiences of queer youth everywhere. But as the character was built in front of our eyes on screen, I got the feeling that he didn't outright NOT have romantic feelings for Remi. The filmmakers went to great lengths to illustrate how Leo was VERY socially conscious of being labeled gay, which makes sense for a kid his age... But I also think the level of intimacy both boys were comfortable with in their relationship could generally be seen as "more than friends"... I know there are boys out there that ARE more physical with their friendship while still being straight but... It's not super common, and I just don't feel like that's what was ultimately portrayed through the events of the movie.
My point is, I felt like Leo's pulling away, while definitely highly socially motivated, was a bit "over the top," even for a very emotionally complex 15 year old boy. It made his later attacking of Remi seem like over-compensation... I mean, what other reason can be offered to explain his very public physical attack of his best friend (presumably of many years)?

I also understand that writers/directors craft their stories in such a way as to allow for alternate perspectives but... What do you all think?