How do i deal with someone who won't stop spamming me with texts and being overly affectionate?

23F

I need some advice on a situation I'm dealing with. There's this guy who keeps spamming me with texts, calling me "cutie" like 20+ times a day, and acting really kiddish in person. While I appreciate the compliment, it's starting to feel overwhelming and a bit weird.

I've tried to hint that I need some space, but he doesn't seem to get it. I want to set clear boundaries without hurting his feelings because he's actually a nice person as far as I've noticed and cries easily too but him calling me cutie no matter what I do or say is so weird

Thanks in advance