Why do guys do this? 25/F and M/28

So I have had this guy on insta for years but we were both in long term relationships and to he honest never gave anything any thought. I recently broke up with my boyfriend and he broke with his girlfriend. he hadnt posted in years and then finally posted so I gave it a like not much thought really.

He message me a day later saying he has always thought I was beautiful and just wanted to say hey. we were talking for a little bit nothing crazy. Anyway he suggested meeting me in my city etc and stated that he has “always fancied” me? anyway the conversations went dry and he liked my message and weve not spoke since but he likes all my insta stories and is the furst to watch?

Like why go out of your way to message me and then just continue to watch and like my stories like he has done for the past five years?

Anyone else know why boys do these?