Guy's Behavior

What even are we?

So, there's this guy. No specifics because it's identifiable, but we go back two years now. He's one of the best people I know, and had (or at least had until I messed up a lot the last few weeks) respect for me. We (by assignment) spend time together almost every day and it's great. We're always laughing, we're always complimenting each other, and an hour together can turn both our moods around. We've both been tired and seen less than attractive sides of each other. He's seen me at my worst, but seems to be quickly over it. His last words to me Friday were, "it's always great working with you!" He remembers little details, and goes out of his way to make me laugh. Our comfort level has evolved to messing with each others hair for different things. The eye contact is insane, and he looks over at me a lot. Our... whatever it is, has not gone unnoticed by others.

But the confusion. He will not follow me on Instagram, look at a reel I sent, or initiate a text conversation without a need to. When I asked him if he wanted to do something (a mutual interest) with me, "not really. I just want to hang out at home. And I never really hang out with people from *****." Later, he added that he's "just not comfortable with it right now." When we're together, he doesn't generally avoid me, but doesn't seek me out, either.

He has always seemed to clearly appreciate me, and also says I'm cool, awesome, have endurance, and a heart of gold. I told him he's the best, and he said "so are you". He's very honest and means what he says, so I take it at face value.

There's good reasons that we'd need boundaries for outside when we see each other, but why not just say that instead of ignoring my attempts (the reel)? Is it one of the situations where he thinks I'm a great person but doesn't want anything to do with me? Maybe he's afraid of giving a wrong signal, or wants to be professional?

I'm just confused. We both have commitment issues, but we've also both shared deep stuff.

What even are we?
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