He's not ready for the boyfriend label?

I've been seeing someone for a year and a half. He and I click extremely well we spend practically every weekend together, share the same interests and even spend major holidays together. He has been independently on his own from a young age and is a bit stubborn when it comes to certain things. I'm a woman who enjoys my own life I don't smother him and we just enjoy each others company I am also a realist so I asked him one day if he's my boyfriend now you know throwing it out there casually to see what response I got. Was ready for whatever was said. He replied with close. I asked what that meant?and asked if he trying to leave his options open to see other people. He answered no, nothing like that I'm just funny about labels I've been through a lot. I told him if he doesn't know me by now I don't know what else to tell him I know I have everything it takes to be an awesome girlfriend and he admits it too says he thinks about it a lot and tries to show me through actions. Anyway I told him I don't want him committing by force so just know I'm not waiting around forever and not bringing it up again. Seriously what do you think is his deal?