Everyone who helped me (above) and anyone else who might read this, I want to share an update.
So, I went to my home country on a three-week vacation and spent a majority of this time with this guy. We hung out at his place, and traveled together on two distinct trips (I took 5 days away in the middle visiting family), one involving a hike that kept us out of cell communication range for two days (not exactly by plan). This gave us quite some "us" time. It was hard for me to say goodbye and he felt the same. We've decided to continue this relationship.
The good: I think we both really liked the time together. We have a lot in common, so we talked a lot. Sexual chemistry was also decent. The intimacy we felt was also very good. We did different activities, dined out, and overall enjoyed the time. I fell briefly sick for a day (overdose of good food) and he really went over the top taking care of me (it felt genuine not contrived). He had held on to the word the he would not hook-up (more on this below) since the time I raised the issue.
Long-distance: He said he wants to re-locate to where I live (US), not just for me because we are still evolving, but for his career growth. That said, if I were to decide to move to my home country, he said he would prioritize being with me instead. We decided it is a work in-progress as much as the "relationship" is a work in-progress. We've given this a year to get a better sense. I plan to go over again during Christmas and he has planned a trip to me in April next year. He said he had planned it as a surprise already after our first trip (made arrangements with friends to arrive at and give me a surprise, asked for vacation at work place) but then had to reveal it for practical reasons. I appreciate this gesture because for me to go from US is financially much more easier than for him to come over.
The not-so good: There were definitely several times I thought Instagram and facebook and friends seemed higher priority than me. But, I am maybe a bit old-fashioned and that's the order of the day. I really disconnect from the world when I am in conversation with a person, no matter who it is (friend, mom, the stranger on the train). However, I did feel, in retrospect, that many of the conversations were about him, how I made him feel, etc. I am a bit more romantic in nature so I naturally tend to express my appreciation of whom I with. The reciprocation I got wasn't so much an appreciation of who I am, but an appreciation of how I made him feel. This aspect of how it seems to be about him, is a bit in my head now.
We had a direct conversation about sexual exclusivity. He made it clear that he had stopped all dating now and wanted to see how this goes. However, he said he doesn't see sex as necessarily being connected with emotions. To him hook up was a biological need of sorts and nothing to do with love and loyalty and was definitely different from sex with someone he cared for. I told him I don't see it like that. He has asked me to have an open mind with him in case he did do a hook-up or two only until we have put final call on the relationship. And that he would definitely try not to do so. He told me he hasn't exactly fallen in love with me, but strongly likes me (a bit confusing to me, but it is fair since we have been speaking for only 6 months).
So thats it. I am optimistic. It feels good. I am going to try to step away from the our differences in thinking about hook-ups. So far it remains controlled, I think he is honest, and that should be all I can expect. I do feel a bit cautious on why my life seems less important/interesting or talked about. One reason could be that I am reserved myself so I don't normally talk about myself, but I would like if he asked or dwelled on things when I gave a lead. More often unless I directly say this, I am just heard but not explored (minimal questions, follow up). He is a professional artist (in addition to his day job) and I am a big fan of the art (not just his) so we naturally end up having deep conversations about art and he comes to me to share about every concert or "aha" moment he has had and wants to hear my take. He doesn't have time for other things (between job and art) so if I force a conversation about something else (geography, science, things I find fascinating) he is just listening and it is a one-way chat.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Any word of advice is deeply appreciated. Thanks