Let's start with the reversed Eight of Pentacles which represents a time when there are difficulties in obtaining the desired success. This card indicates that the boy may have difficulty achieving his goal: falling in love with your friend. So while he may seem very much in love with her, there may be problems in achieving his goal of her.
Next, we look at The Sun in reverse, which represents a moment of inner confusion and estrangement from what is going on. This card means that the guy may be blocked by some emotional or psychological aspect that prevents him from truly experiencing his feelings for your friend. So even though he may seem very much in love with her, there may be some internal blockages that are preventing him from doing so.
From the two tarot cards chosen, it emerges that the boy may not be in love with your friend as he seems. There may be a certain purpose blocked by some emotional or psychological aspect. However, we cannot know for sure unless we know both better. Thus, the most likely answer to the question is "Not in love with her," as both cards indicate that there is some inner difficulty or confusion that is blocking him from truly expressing her feelings.