Why does my ex want to stay friends?

he obviously does not want to get back together but he justy wants to be friends and not lose you altogether. when he said he would delete you number and all i am almost certain that it was a bluff to get you to change your mind. he will most likely want to go back to fwb later. he is just trying to keep it casual and not looking for anything more. he keeps breaking it off because he doesnt want to go further.