Does he like me?

His name is Dustin. He sits beside me in gov. and in front of me in chem. I am not quite as popular as he is but i am not at the bottom. I have liked him for a little over 3 years. Most of the time he is nice to me but in front of some of his preppy friends he can be a jerk. I am way to afraid to ask him straight up so plz any other suggestions.