Texting first

OK so there is this guy talking for like weeks now, and I recently told him that I like him and we're supposed to hang out this week. But then yesterday I sent him a snap and we talked for a little bit after that but then he just left me on read, which like I get it because he went to this party and I get he wouldn't want to talk to me then amuse he busy so I didn't text her m back all last night but now I'm wondering if I should text him now or what. Because he's really shy and awkward and even though he knows I like him he still really weird about it. So do the same rules still apply for texting first if he already knows I like him and we're supposed to hang out?