He asked me if I loved him?

So I have a crush on this guy but have only hinted on that I may like him I don’t wanna confess my feelings as I am deeply scared of being hurt again or rejected by him because of my past experiences so today he asked me if I loved him and to think about what he Asked me he’s also given me reason to think he may have a crush on me too sometimes he flirts he always tells me how good I’ve been to him and how he appreciates everything I’ve done why did he ask me if I loved him I’m scared he’s gunna mess with my feelings