Storing some of these here to look back on when stressed out:

Who they really are: 9 of Swords
Why they hide: The emperor
The mask they hide behind: 3 of cups
How this affects your relationship: the Star
Advice for me: The Sun
Outcome if I follow it: The Hermit

For 9 of swords the things sticking out to me is fear of the future .And that he has let fear consume him. Not been good enough for others so he's afraid he won't be good enough for anyone in  any sort of relationship and he's letting it consume him and control him. He's hiding behind that wall and his logical mind and letting fear overrule. That's what I'm getting. The Emperor is generally a very mind oriented card, not based on emotion really.

Hiding behind the word "friendship"

The Star is you. The Star Tarot card also indicates a generous spirit. You want to give or share your wealth with others to help transform their own lives. You have an open heart and you now want to give back the blessings you have already received so that others may benefit. Mister afraid of everything has shown enough of himself to you for you to know that he's hurt and has to heal. You the star want to help him along his path of self healing. So basically, him hiding etc etc is making you want to be the light in his dark alley. Star card is all about personal transformation for the better. Which also, in a sense, I would say he is your star too because there are many things you are trying to change about yourself in order to become better for him

As for your advice, the sun is saying that you have a wonderful warm energy about you, a caring energy, and this is what will help you with the situation. "It is about embracing your destiny and giving it everything you have got. If you have been having a difficult time, the Sun brings you the message you have been waiting for – that things are going to get better – a lot better! You know that the rain clouds will soon give way to the rays of the sun and you will feel warmed to the soul once again." And it also says "Shine love on those you care about"

A lot of it talks about being alone, but not physically. More like mentally. You will want to be alone with yourself and your mind once things change, to contemplate everything going on and to choose what to do next. You will realize that a lot of answers to everything going on is within yourself, and you will want to be alone with your mind at times instead of not wanting to. You will want some quiet time now and then in order to just think everything over that's going on between you guys. And it also indicates some personal soul searching so I think some of the quiet time will be you trying to figure yourself out and how you can fight your own fears I kind of have the mental image of a snow globe. It's all shaken up but once things settle down it looks like a calm, cozy little town.