>He told me this before asking me, because we have an open communication.

Was he open about the fact he was pursuing other women?

Why was it only now, after all this time, that he was actually open about his feelings about you and what he considers the prospect of the dynamic?

Like honestly, I don't think you were open on what was a really huge topic. And he exploited that, he would initiate contact despite being aware he didn't really want more. You assumed it was relationship trauma, but it comes across more as opportunism to me.

Which is gross. You deserve more than that. Sure, if his trauma is making him hold back then that's something worthy of compassion but really it only cements he probably isn't capable of being the kind of partner you need him to be. Honestly, I think he failed as a friend as well.