I need help with a shy guy I like...

There’s this guy I like & we’ve talked in class a few times, & he always laughs at my jokes, & if everyone around us is talking, he seems more interested in what I’m saying. But he’s really shy, & the only gf he’s ever had was NOT the best looking, & everyone I’ve told says I look a lot better. I told my friend to tell him I liked him, & he let out a forced laugh & said, “why does she like me?” & he said he wouldn’t go out with me. Does anyone know why he reacted this way? He wasn’t like, turned off by it, but said he wouldn’t want to date me. I don’t know if I should just give up on him. :/

I hope no one’s annoyed by my question.
I know a lot of people probably ask annoying crap like this, but it’s bothered me since last night.