Haven't heard from H, still tempted to message him and ask him about the I love you thing. I have been having a good time but I'm also confused, can feel that ache coming on slowly. That feeling that something (H) is missing. The growing sense of dispare. I think I might message him tomorrow and ask him. I don't know.
Don't ask. Asking is pressure. If he says it again then say it back to him, or say "thank you, it's nice to hear that" or some other kind of acknowledgement. But DROP YOUR EXPECTATIONS!!! Just celebrate it internally as a small baby step and keep going with your DBing.