I (19F) ended a friendship/mentorship with a boy (14M) who had a crush on me

So basically I'm a 28 (not 19 but I couldn't put this in the normal relationships sub cuz it mentions a minor. Y'all probably understand him better than I do) year old gal from China. I have had, let's say, an average experience with relationships, and this is really not important here.

In 2024 I went to Moscow for an exchange programme, which my parents paid for. I had quite a share of friends there (still do) and I was doing alright, it wasn't that hard, really.

So basically I was scrolling Reddit and there was a post where someone was asking to be friends for English practice. I texted, and really hesitantly cuz like he was 14 then (and I was 25), but figured I'm not someone who can be accused of bad things. We texted for some time, and it felt wonderful! He was a good guy, and I felt like he was closer to a peer of mine, not a child. I told him we could meet sometime and guess what? He agreed!!!!

It was a fantastic walk, and he, while not perfectly, spoke English well. As I learned, he was homeschooled and didn't really have friends. I don't remember him sharing a lot, we discussed other things, but overall it was pretty obvious he hadn't had a healthy friendship, and I could see why. Nevertheless, it was fun and I genuinely enjoyed this walk, and all the others, to be honest.

But he seemed to give mixed signals at the second or third walk (so you understand the walks were 6-10 hours long), and at some point he held his hand before me, and I put my hand on his. In around 5 seconds I had a realisation that this shouldn't be appropriate and gently untangled it. He wasn't mad. I shook it off.

There also was a time he asked if I want to do a passport marriage and well I kind of do (even still), because documents are a real hassle, but it's obvious that a 14 year old shouldn't be asking such questions and I shouldn't be wanting it from a 14 year old. I shook it off with a "will your parents allow it?" and changed the topic.

There came a time I was really busy, but he still texted often. I couldn't reply instantly, I was packing to my parents. He said that he's alright with it and said if i ever need anything before the flight he can find it. I thought of him sometimes while back home, but mostly I cared for my parents. When I returned, the same day he texted me. When I got free, I texted him back, but really I didn't feel that spark (spark not as in romance) anymore. I had a lot if things to do, so I replied rarely. I thought to myself that when I pass middle year exams we'll have a lot of talk and walk. But october he texted me this.

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

Hello! You may have noticed, that in our last walks I acted a bit weird. That was because, at the moment, I liked you. You were so kind and caring that I started feeling something towards you. I may have broken your personal space bubble, and I am deeply sorry for it. The question about the marriage at 18 was a try to give you a hint about my feelings. I was really lonely at the time. Did you know about them?

Ширинай:

I am almost 30 years old and you are only 15 years old, so I think I should keep distance. I am very sorry about saying that

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

What do you mean by keeping distance?

Those things are in the past and I want to apologise for every single moment they made you uncomfortable

It won't happen again. I won't mention it ever again.

Could you please explain what you mean? I don't understand and don't know what i should do.

Ширинай:

You need to find friends with your peers instead of with me

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

Is the statement about romance and romantic feelings or the idea of friendship with you at all?

Ширинай:

all

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

Okay. I understand. Hope everything goes well for you. I want to say, you are in the top 3 of the best people I have ever met. Thank you for the time spent together.

Ширинай:

thanks

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

What was the last drop that made you do this decision?

Ширинай:

i don't wanna talk about this topic

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

Okay

(Long username is him, short username is me.)

Then in 3 months:

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах):

Hello. I know we haven't been talking in quite a while, but i really want to start everything over again. I promise I have changed and those things won't happen again. Can we try to chat like nothing happened?

Ширинай:

Hello!!happy new Year!! I think you have your own life like a kid, we can't be friends like before anymore. Hope you happy everyday and can find a lot friends.

Бабин Константин (в узких кругах TelegramBot):

Happy new year!!! Didn't expect a message from you! I hope you'll be happy too! It's better that way. I will remember you as a great friend! I hope you celebrate the Chinese new year greatly as well! I don't hold anything bad for you anymore! Best wishes!

And I haven't replied ever since. (except for happy birthday text) At some point (it's a month ago, so one and a half year since the goodbye) he texted me this:

"I hope you have a very good landing when you get home, and I hope you'll find a job and the best friends ever back in China or wherever you plan on going. Here's an early gift for your 28th birthday (sent through another account). I decided I shall not think of you in any way that hurts me anymore. I needed closure and never got it. I'm giving it to myself now. The months of crying weren't worth it. Goodbye and wish you well."

I still didn't reply. He was really lonely, but in the short period we actually were friends he shared that his social life is getting better.

I read his Reddit posts, and it had some really sad things. He never insulted me there, actually. Some of those mentioned I have changed his life and views on who to date. He said that he'd do a lot to date me, but would be fine with still being friends. He also mentioned he has son-mom feelings for me. Obviously I never told him I read that post.

I think these walks have been more to him than to me. He even paid for me (it was something small but for a teen it was heartfelt) twice I think.

Given that he's now said he's giving himself closure and moving on — do I reply to that last message, or does responding just reopen something he's trying to close?