I read this chapter some time ago, and was surprised at the end when he said he liked her. Just got the official copy of volume 7.
I realize that the Japanese culture is more reserved, but the official translation, Usa-kun says, "I love you." I think that hit the nail on the head better than, "I really like you." I was concerned that the translators, or editor, had overstepped the boundaries, but seeing they actually kissed a few months ago, I think they got it right. Usa and Hitomi really love each other. In another year or so, they'll have a distance relationship as he heads to college, but that will make their bond grow stonger. I'm glad to the scalators that introduced me to Hitomi-chan.