I don't see why you shouldn't rekindle your romance with him.

You're already 26, pretty mature as an adult so bwing in a relationship with someone 12 yrs older isn't as big of a deal as when you are younger. You are no vulnerable teen anymore.

If he suddenly kept distance, someone might have confronted him about your age gap too and he might have chosen to keep a respectful distance.

I say go for it. Have a heart to heart talk.