The individual was simply cautious, navigating the delicate transition from friendship to romance. His hesitation stemmed from a genuine concern for preserving their bond, not a lack of interest. The fact that the feelings were mutual underscores the natural progression of their relationship.
While the individual's caution is understandable, his prolonged uncertainty caused unnecessary emotional suspense. He should have been more direct in expressing his feelings, rather than relying on subtle hints and prolonged ambiguity. This delay could have potentially led to missed opportunities or misunderstandings.
Both parties exhibited a mutual attraction and were simply cautious about jeopardizing their friendship. The hesitation to express feelings was a shared experience, and the eventual confession and mutual revelation of feelings led to a positive outcome. There is no fault to be assigned in this scenario, as both individuals acted with consideration and respect for each other's feelings.