Messaged him after 30 days, don't know what to think

Ok please be gentle. I know for some in this group they follow the strict nc method, however I followed a couple of coaches in line who suggested initiating contact after 30 days (this resonated with me as he is avoidant). So I messaged him yesterday, just a brief funny message with a photo of some childish message one of his friends sent a group. He replied about half hour later with
‘I’m glad I don’t get these messages.’
ME ‘I hope you two aren’t that close’
HIM ‘Salted friend? ? no well never be that close’
ME ‘there’s rumours’
HIM ?
Now I know I shouldn’t have responded so much and am kicking myself. And after the laughing emoji I couldn’t help by asking how he’s been. He responded
‘Ok… Are you ok?’
ME ‘Yeah pretty good thanks, busy in lockdown. How’s work?’
HIM ‘Good… it’s ok, still keeping the nation going. Things have piled up so busy too’
ME ‘you’ve suddenly become employee of the year?!’
HIM ‘I wouldn’t go that far ?’
ME ‘you know exactly how I rolled my eyes when I said that’
HIM ‘? I was thinking of making myself an employee of the month certificate’
ME you know id never believe that
HIM ?

It felt nice and easy and lovely to be in contact for a bit
I know I played it all wrong with not leaving the convo abruptly. I’m worried most by the times he just replied ?. Does it look like he was trying to leave the conversation? I’m not going to text him again now

We were together for 2 years, I had a termination He wanted me to have and he said there couldn’t be any future for us