He admired her beauty but wasn't sure if this friendship could be more. If he made his move it might make things awkward and end a good thing. He was known for letting his feelings get the best of him. He got emotional felt foolish and weak thinking he was an equal but no where on the level.
He was a private person seen as a bad guy because he didn't take crap from no one. He spoke up it felt like the world was against him. If he bit his tongue it would feel like the world would walk all over him.
His love was heavy and deep but his hurt was stronger empowering him to keep pursuing greatness move forward.