He got weird after you asked to be exclusive? What to do

Look at what he actually said. 'I'm not in a place for that' is about his timing, and it doesn't automatically mean he doesn't like you. 'Let's just see where things go' often means he wants the option of other people. 'Can we talk about it later?' with no later attached is a way to close the conversation. Read the specific words, not the mood.

Also check how he's behaving over the next few days. Is he still making plans, still replying with questions, still interested in your day? A man who likes you and is hesitating still shows interest. A man who is pulling away usually shows less of it over time, not a sudden burst of warmth followed by silence.

Your reply has three jobs. First, it should show you heard him without agreeing to a vague deal. Name the thing he said in plain words so he knows you aren't reading into it. Second, it should ask one specific question that forces him to pick a version of the truth. Asking whether the hesitation is about timing or about other people gives him an easy way to be honest. Third, it should say what you need so the next step belongs to him.

Keep it short. A long message about your feelings gives him something to argue with instead of something to answer. Don't ask three questions at once, because he'll answer the easiest one and skip the rest.

Send your message at a normal time, mid-afternoon or early evening, not right after he goes quiet and not at 2am. Late night messages read as pressure. Then give him about 24 to 48 hours. If he replies with something clear, respond to that and let the conversation move. If he replies with another vague line, ask once more, directly, whether he wants to keep seeing you. If he doesn't answer that or goes silent again, treat it as your answer and stop chasing.

Don't send a fourth text asking whether he saw your message. Stopping isn't a punishment. You're taking him at his word, because going quiet is an answer too.