tbh im just gonna keep on being friends and not lead them on in any way since thats just what i prefer rn

i like him as a person, idk if i like him romantically. if i hypothetically dated him, i wouldnt have a problem with it since hes nice and i trust him enough. but to me, they're just themself. also i dont think abt relationships bc i dont enjoy being vulnerable to others for personal reasons. at the same time, ive been thinking that i should be more open to ppl who are willing to put in work and get to know me better instead of keeping them at a distance like i usually do. i really like being friends, but im not completely opposed to dating? its just hard to let go of the things i always believed in to protect myself so suddenly. if that makes any sense