Absolutely agree with RR and SM......move on.
Listen CLOSELY to what he is telling you because he is telling you the truth.
Don't chase after someone who told you it is over.
In my opinion, you really didn't have any "relationship," but texts and you only met him ONCE.
Sheri, no. He's not trying to protect you. His feelings are dead for you, as he says, and he's trying to move on.
Move on, too.