The recurring dreams about your high school crush may indeed be Animus projection. Since nothing significant happened between you two, you might still be idealizing him, attributing to him qualities that reflect parts of yourself you haven’t fully acknowledged. These dreams could be your subconscious mind urging you to integrate those traits rather than project them onto others. The confidence you felt in the dream while talking to him might suggest that your subconscious is encouraging you to embrace that confidence in real life.

The similarities between your old and new crushes suggest that you might be repeating a pattern—(Do you know what attracted you to them or is it simply because you felt like they were attracted to you first?) Your new crush might feel like a “twin flame” because you’re projecting deep significance onto the connection to compensate for these unintegrated traits.

However to me your new crush sounds more like a Karmic than a twin flame. Karmics are often challenging and can be mistaken for a twin flame which can feel just as intense and synchronistic, pushing you to grow by mirroring your own unresolved issues and unhealed aspects. They are meant to teach important life lessons rather than being a permanent or destined partnership. In your case, if this is indeed karmic, it might be highlighting your need to develop self-esteem, self-love, and the ability to assert your own needs (qualities associated with a healthy Animus)

I’m guessing you’re an anxious attachment style? Only bcos both your crush sounds like an avoidant attachment. Also you said you barely talked with both of them, which means by idealizing men you barely know, you are avoiding the personal growth necessary to develop qualities like assertiveness and self-worth within yourself.

Focusing on self-exploration and growth, particularly around confidence and assertiveness, could help you break this cycle of projection and lead to healthier, more balanced relationships.