First, let me point out that if you repeatedly specify, “As a friend,” everyone knows you wish for more. Be friends with his friend who is on instagram. Tell him you want to make new friends, and ask him if you could get to know who he hangs out with, and be friends. If you want friends “As friends”, then why limit yourself to just the one guy? Who knows, you might get to know a whole group of really fun people. :)