We met online, he makes me feel uncomfortable...

I don’t know where to start. So, 3 months ago I followed this guy (along with many other people) because we were studying the same course at the same university and I thought this is a good way to meet people from my course. He DMd me and from that day on we started talking more and more, until now.

So this person apparently seems to like me and not just as a coursemate or friend. He complements me, sends me “I love you”, “I need you” etc., always makes sure I’m okay and safe (one time when I texted him about my flatmates being too loud and partying with many guys, knocking doors etc. he literally texted one of my flatmates to make sure I’m okay).

Now, what’s with me. He wants me to be talking with him in pictures (selfies), something I’m not comfortable with, and also he wants to call me so we can talk rather than text. I don’t want to do any of the two. There’s no specific reason for that. I’ve sent a ton of selfies throughout our conversation (because he does all the time and it’s weird just replying with text), and we also talked by call once. Like, I showed him I’m real if that’s what he wants.

I don’t want him to get too attached even though I believe it’s too late now. I see him as a friend and tried telling him many times but he does not want to get the hint. 2 nights ago, he was like “I don’t even know if you like me”, and I was like “I like you my friend, don’t worry”. He left that on seen for a while and I felt that bad energy that he didn’t like it. Then, last night he wanted to call, and I was like “no, not tonight”. He insisted a couple of times and I was like “why forcing it?” so he stopped and didn’t text me for the rest of the night.

Today morning I woke up and I got this: “Forgive me, I need you”. I don’t know what to do from now on. I slept crying last night after realising how it’s been 3 years now, guys coming into my life, fuck with my feelings and destroy me mentally. I think my actions are a result of uncertainty and trauma. And I don’t know what to do with this guy. He’s been good to me throughout, but when he asks me for a call or a selfie, we always fight. And the saddest part is that he blames himself for it when he shouldn’t. I’m the one to blame.

Should I reply? If yes, what?