talking to someone you like? what to say?

[loverboy2601]

so i have had a number for someone who i have liked for ages.. just plucked up the courage to say hi.. but not sure how/what to say next? do i just be forward and ask him out? or do i play nice etc?

few things:
He doesnt know me, but we used to work together in a co-working space so he would recognise me
He is gay..
I did contact him on grindr and he didnt respond.. he didnt BLOCK me either so i just wanted to get a clear answer from him via texting?

urgh...
and yes i dont have much experience with talking to men..

he replied with 'apologies, i dont have this number in my contacts'

[Luckydog2020]

Strange situation ...