what do I say...

So there’s a guy, and we have this thing going on. He stopped texting me because he said that he’s always the one starting the conversation. (which is true) i don’t know how to start a conversation over text because I don’t want to start it with “hi” because thats too damn dry. I know he likes me and he’s down to actually try to date me so I’m not trying to lose him... I get nervous when I’m around him and my friends are constantly telling me too talk to him.. Im not usually shy around people but with him idk... how do I start an on-going conversation?