I know that grooming isn't restricted to children, I'm perfectly aware of grooming and what it is. He has not once tried to groom me at all

We haven't met in person yet and will only be doing so in 2022

As an adult, I couldn’t envisage myself wanting a sexual relationship with a teenager.

It has nothing to do with the fact of me being a teenager, I like him, he likes me and it doesn't have anything to do with my age or his age.

why a legal adult would want to associate or date a person who would be considered by law, a child.

I'm friends with lots of people older than me or younger than me. An 18 year old is legally an adult yes but that doesnt mean I shouldn't date anyone who is legally an adult. I'll be 17 years old soon, anyone 18+ is legally an adult. So should I not associate with anyone who is a year or more older than me?

Yes he is 6 years older than me but he's not grooming me or manipulating me.

There is a legal age of consent for a reason, I am legally allowed to consent to anyone of my choosing after I turned 16