(F40, Pilates instructor) texted my shy Gym Crush (M40s) after months of intense tension, and he completely froze. Is this fear or just ghosting?

Hey guys, I need an honest reality check from a male perspective because I’m trying to understand a specific behavior pattern.I (F40) work as a Pilates instructor. Back in January, I crossed paths with a guy (early 40s) at the studio. From what I can see on his public profile, he seems highly educated and works in a successful management position. From day one, there was a very clear, intense attraction between us. He attended my class back then, and we had a good chat afterward. He asked me for recommendations regarding his injury and asked for my schedule.Then, he completely disappeared from the studio for about three months. Recently, he resurfaced, attended my class, and made a very nervous impression on me. Afterward, he approached me again, asked for another recommendation for another injury, and asked for my schedule again. I had the feeling he’s very much into me but too scared to do something more directly. He did not show up to my actual classes though, but then he was "waiting" in the gym when I was on the schedule for subbing another class. He was following me through the gym and intensely staring at me. He almost behaved like a little boy with an intense crush, but desperately trying to hide it.I then walked up to him and asked him how his injury was. He was heavily nervous, struggling to find words, breathing heavily, locking eyes, obviously flirting,… Without any doubt, I felt this guy is totally into me. He spontaneously decided to join me in my class, probably noticed that this was a bit too enthusiastic, then somehow changed his mind, asked me for my schedule again, and said he’s going to come to my next class… but he never showed up. I
Three weeks ago, I decided to make it easy for him. I saw that his phone number was displayed on a public contact list at the gym for everyone to see, so I just texted him, saying only that now he has my number, nothing else. Since that day—exactly three weeks ago—absolute radio silence. On top of that, he hasn't been back to the studio at all. He is completely avoiding his routine just to not run into me. To me, it feels very strange. If a guy is successful and has his life together professionally, how can he be so hesitant that he chooses to avoid his gym habits rather than just sending a polite text? After all, HE was the one who started this whole dynamic, showed all the interest, and chased me first. If he lost interest, why not just write a short, normal text instead of this pathetic disappearing act?Men who have experienced this type of hesitation or freezing: What goes on in a man's head in this situation? Is he just procrastinating out of shame because too much time has passed now, or did he just like the tension more than the reality?