Well, this might just work to your advantage. If he puts on a great show in front of them. Tell him how nice it felt when he held your hand or put his arm around you. After all if he initiates something ... I don't think it can be considered pursuing if you tell him how much you enjoyed what he was doing. I wouldn't ask or push just "reward" his behavior.
I read a thread that commented that our emotions (the roller coaster) felt just like "high school feelings" - meaning everything was "life and death". That comment really stuck with me. They are acting like they are high school kids and we end up responding emotionally like we did when we were that young. Crazy isn't it !
!