Arthur loves Merlin and Merlin loves Arthur but Merlin has avoidant personality disorder and starting a relationship is hard on both of them.
Merlin doesn’t like being seen next to Arthur because he thinks he will make Arthur look bad. He will not allow Arthur to see him naked because he is ashamed of his body (maybe he compares himself to Arthur’s former lovers) and he never initiates any physical contact. He is afraid Arthur will leave him as soon as someone better comes along and going out together is a chore for Merlin who doesn’t like being amongst people who he thinks looks down on him.
Merlin doesn’t like being seen next to Arthur because he thinks he will make Arthur look bad. He will not allow Arthur to see him naked because he is ashamed of his body (maybe he compares himself to Arthur’s former lovers) and he never initiates any physical contact. He is afraid Arthur will leave him as soon as someone better comes along and going out together is a chore for Merlin who doesn’t like being amongst people who he thinks looks down on him.