Bff relationship transitioning to who knows what: What should I do?

So I’m falling in love with my best friend of three years and I don’t know what to do because he doesn’t feel the same as of right now. He doesn’t know how he feels so I’m trying to patient like he asked me but it’s hard when he doesn’t acknowledge any connection or intimate moments as him developing feelings?

History, after a year of friendship (and apparently a year of him crushing on me) he asked me out and so we dated for a couple months where he now said he was in love with me back then. But the reason why I ended things was because I had just gotten out of a three year relationship before that and he was expecting me to do and be all these things like a girlfriend should, but after having gone through that toxic relationship before, I didn’t realize how much it took out of me and how I needed space to breathe first before I could commit to someone else.

Well three years later and after the breakup with my best friend two years ago, we have finally been in a good place the last few months. But of course that’s when I started to develop feelings. He immediately said that he wants to take things slow because he got so hurt last time and he’s guarded and nervous about the whole thing. So I have been trying to be patient with him because last time was my fault. But it’s been a month of trials and tribulations where I really like him and do really thoughtful “wifey” things and he doesn’t think twice about it, making me think like is this the same person I fell for? And is this all even worth it when I’m waiting for him to figure his shit out but end up crying (which is really hard for me) because he isn’t reciprocating the same or even close to same level feelings? It is just making me question my own value like how could he not know by now if he likes me or is he going to continue being closed off??? I just feel it in my heart that he’s the one, like end game but idk if I’m just being blind and stupid in love I’ve just never felt this way about a guy (and trust me there’s been a few) because he’s my best friend. I can’t really talk about it with my girls because we’re trying to keep it on the DL until we’re ready and have figured out officially what we’re doing.

oh yeah and side note: while I’ll be here working and going to grad school, he’s about to graduate undergrad in May

Thank you guys!!!