Was this an Awkward situation or is she gay?

It all started at lunch when I was eating my lunch with my buddies when all the sudden my crush appeared at the table where she normally eats. All was fine, until I came over to her when a few people were around and I told her that I liked her straight up without hanging out with her because of her sincere hugs that she gives me on occasions. She then said "this is awkward", and we walked towards our clrooms; something bothered me though. I thought, "why would she think that a guy saying that they like her is awkward?" Then I started to think of all the possiblities like she may be gay or she's just not used to guys being straightforward. Do you have any idea why she felt awkward. This was in highschool by the way, and neither of us expected a long term relationship till college. So have any ideas?