Misunderstood or Manipulator?

I met this guy in 2019 on Bumble. We connected instantly, talked for a few weeks, planned to meet up and then he ghosted me and got a girlfriend. After they broke up, he found me on Facebook and we started talking again. We were going to go on a date but he never showed up. He has ghosted me at least 4 times since we first met but has always come back apologising. Recently I asked if we were ever going to meet and he said no doubt, but that he was just scared.

(To clarify, he’s not a catfish. We have talked on the phone and FaceTimed before and his Facebook page is authentic with real family and friends.)

I’m wondering if these text messages sound authentic or if I’m just being strung along. I want to believe what he tells me but after so many years I’m struggling to hold onto the idea that this is all legitimate. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.