Ex boyfriend

My ex and I were together for 9 months ( it isn’t long to many I know ) but he was my first boyfriend and pretty much my first for many things. He broke up with me because it just wasn’t working out. We text everyday normally because he doesn’t want to lose me fully and I’m close to him yet it’s hard because I still love him and care about him. Yet I know he doesn’t feel the same and he wants to take me out for my birthday, and do all the stuff with me but i just keep on hurting myself because I know he wont ever feel the same again but I don’t want to let him go only because we’ve been through so much together and believe me it’s easier said than done to just stop texting and leaving . I just need some advice on what to do and how to handle the situation, please don’t be rude :,) I’m really just looking for something positive yet honest. Thank you ❤️