Uhhhh (Relationship Advice Needed)

So this just happened five minutes ago, and it was really nice but weird I guess.

So I’ve had a boyfriend for just over three weeks, but we’ve been really good friends for about two years before we happened. Anyways, this is my first attempt at a relationship while he has been in some before, but it’s been going very well so far. Our sexual relationship has progressed very quickly but I don’t think that’s a big deal considering how close we’ve been in terms of friendship over the years (we haven’t had intercourse yet).

With that in mind, we were just hanging out right after school until he had to go to leave. And we are just doing our normal stuff and then all of a sudden he said, “I love you”. In reply I go, “ that’s really soon,” and then we kind of just drop the subject but it didn’t end very awkward actually.

I really like him but I don’t think that I’m at the point in which I could say that to him without it feeling forced or done to spare his feelings. Is this something I should talk about with him? I think I’m seeing him later today so that be a good opportunity for me to clarify my emotions for him?