Can anyone else work this guy out for me..?

well i think that he is maybe a little scared of starting a relationship just yet as he is not experienced and as he has known you for years he might feel bad if things don't turn out the way they should and that he might loose you all together he is probably just scared because he really likes you and doesn't want to move really fast or it might Just end up falling apart so he is taking it slow. and maybe he texts you randomly on the odd occasion because your on his mind and doesn't want you to forget about him i think you should act upon it and ask him what is happening i don't think he will run a mile he should expect you to ask what is going on.