Why is he so damn annoying?

He likes you. Since you grew your hair out he starting to like you. If he finds ways to talk to you, joins in the conversations (even thought your not talking to him), teases you, and play fights with you, then he likes you. He is trying to find ways to get your attention, in other words. Just confront him, tell him "Do you like me or not" if he says no then tell him to leave you alone and tell him why is he bugging you.