Maintaining eye contact for long periods of time can be a sign of many things, depending on the context and the relationship between the people involved. Here are a few possibilities:
Attraction or interest: Eye contact is often a clear sign of interest, and it's possible that your crush may also be attracted to you. It's a non-verbal way to communicate that someone has captured their attention.
Engagement in conversation: If you're talking to them, they might be demonstrating that they're actively listening and engaging with what you're saying. This could be a sign of respect and interest in your thoughts and ideas, not necessarily romantic interest.
Confidence: Some people are naturally confident and comfortable with making and maintaining eye contact. It might not necessarily mean anything beyond that they're confident communicators.
Trying to understand your feelings: They might be trying to gauge your interest in them, looking for signs of attraction or rejection.
Nonverbal communication: In general, eye contact is a powerful form of nonverbal communication. They could be trying to communicate something without saying it directly.
However, it's essential not to over-interpret such behavior. Cultural norms, personal habits, and individual differences can all affect how people use eye contact. It would help if you considered these factors along with other signs to interpret your crush's behavior accurately. Communication is key in understanding how someone feels about you. If you feel comfortable doing so, you might want to discuss your feelings with them directly.