This song's meaning is very transparent. The guy denies that it is not love. He needs the girl's love. He wants her to stay because he loves her. Why would a guy want a girl to be by his side if it's not love? He is afraid to have an exclusive relationship with the girl because he is not ready for this kind of major commitment. He is afraid that if they try to be a couple, it will not last and it will only break his heart and the girl's heart. He is afraid to get hurt. But being hurt is part of being in love. So he is content with having the girl by her side. The girl makes him feel loved.