Background information:
We met at university when we were both 20. He had transferred to our school from another and was kind to everyone trying to make friends. He asked me out once and I said yes, but we never got around to it because life got busy for us both. I always had a crush on him but never spoke up because later on, he had a thing for a friend of ours. They made out one time and she decided she was not into him. He, on the other hand, fell for her quickly. She rejected him and he came to me to vent. For the span of a few days, I was his rock and he confided in me about how he wished he didn’t try with her and wished we went out instead. Then he left for a trip the next day… this was right before COVID and so we never returned to school and didn’t see each other again after that. He invited me to a family party when things opened back up again, but I couldn’t make it because I had moved away. Fast forward another year and he joined the military as an officer. I was back in town for New Years Eve and took a chance by inviting him out with a group of my friends. He replied, “Yeah I’d be down if I’m home then! I still have to see if I can get leave.” He never did get clearance to come home. A few months later, I had to send him something a friend of ours asked me to share. He replied with a thank you and texted me “If you’re back around next weekend maybe we can catch up over drinks or something.” By that point, I was on a plane moving again.
Dilemma: I don’t know whether I’m chasing him or reading too much into his words. I don’t care if we ever date, truthfully. I enjoy his company and want him in my life regardless of the dynamic. I want to know him more but I can’t tell if he wants the same or if I’m chasing him given that I always text first. I should note, however, that he is very reserved. Kind but rather shy. Yesterday I texted him checking in and seeing how life is treating him… he never replied. There is a possibility he is overseas (or just not interested in a conversation with me). The text delivered but no read receipt. It’s been nearly 24 hours…
Any advice is appreciated. Cheers!
