First of all, I don't know whether you are this boy or an outsider, because you may not know that there may be many factors that make him afraid to admit it. Just like liking someone, you will feel inferior and feel that you are not worthy of her, so you dare not admit that you like her. There are many such situations, and it takes experience and growth to change them.

The second possibility is the boy's family or his own situation. Because he was young, but he met a woman who wanted to take care of her life, and couldn't give her the life she wanted, so he forced himself to let go. This is also a situation. Of course, it does not rule out that this man is introverted or timid and dare not admit it.

In fact, there are many reasons, but they can all be solved. It depends on whether he is willing to change, or let himself make achievements before confessing.