Confession Curiosity

I'd read that as "I'm flattered but don't know what to say". Let it ride for a couple of days and reach out in person or over the phone.

I am interpreting that he's not interested. If he were he would have taken
the opportunity to have gotten together with you, inviting you to a drink or
dinner, some sort of date, but "I appreciate your efforts"? That would be the kiss
of death for me. Don't contact him anymore! The ball is in his court, if indeed he'd be interested, he'll approach you.