What does he really want from me?? ?

Okay so this guy and I are really close and I've liked him and he's like me b4 and I wanna be more then friends with him. He's had gf's b4 this year and like he fliers with me and we hang out and stuff but last night we were talking and stuff and it started to get to the point of me maybe being a fwb. And I asked him why not just date me make it more meaningful. He said the number one reason I'm not dating you is bc you mean alot to me and I don't wanna hurt you or ruin our friendship. And bc of your brother. (he's really good friends with both of us) and I just dot wanna mess anything up. Is he just saying that to get me to be a fwb or does he really care? Like does he care enough to date later? I'm really confused on what to do. Exapecially since this thing has gone on for like a year and a half. Pleaseeeeeeee help me!