How to I talk more with more with my partner

TL;DR I am 17[m] and my partner is 17[ftm] and we been dating for 10 months. A big issue that we both don’t really talk to each other often unless something is wrong. I know he doesn’t talk about much as he doesn’t have much going on and honestly similar with me. And we rarely hang out as we are both busy and free at different times usually. I also struggle with communication through distance as well. I also don’t want to pester him about things that he isn’t interested in because i want him to feel engaged as well in the conversation and not for it to be one sided. I really want to get better at this part of our relationship and I know it isn’t likely he is going to improve much unless I improve too. So please people bestow your wisdom and if you need further clarification just ask.