<human>: Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?

I (20F) told my boyfriend (19) of 3+ months (known each other for ~1 yr) that I loved him tonight, and he didn't say it back. I've felt it for a while, but didn't want to say it too soon or something, and wanted to wait until a moment felt right. 

Tonight he was at my apartment, I made dinner, we were cuddling and watching Netflix after. He whispered in my ear and  told me that I was really cute(it's a mushy thing we both do to each other), and I did it back but told him I loved him. He didn't say it back, just kissed me and kept  holding me. He had to leave for work fairly soon after, so we didn't talk about it then. I texted him later apologizing for catching him off guard, but that I wanted him to know how I feel and that life is too short to hide love. He said "I definitely agree with your reasoning." 

I know that different people need different amounts of time to feel love, and I don't need to hear it back until he feels the same (assuming he eventually does). But it still stings that I made myself vulnerable like that only to be rejected(in a way). Any words of encouragement or wisdom on how to not feel too insecure after something like this?
<bot>: told bf I loved him, didn't hear it back, but I understand. Just trying to not feel too insecure after making myself vulnerable.