Why my friend hold my hand, protect me whenever we are on the road, kiss my neck while hugging and whisper in my ear when he already have girlfriend?

I have a pretty close friend for years now living in another city, we often chat weekly to daily. From what I know, he has a girlfriend since last year. We don’t meet frequently but often plan to visit each other once and twice per year. I realized from the latest time we met that he often held my hands, smoothed my hair, protected me when we walk together. When we were eating or when we drink in the bar, he pulled my chair closer, whispered in my ear a lot. He shared many things about himself and then when we hugged (which I mean to show that I did listen, and showed my understanding), he kissed me on the neck. What does that mean?

Why my friend hold my hand, protect me whenever we are on the road, kiss my neck while hugging and whisper in my ear when he already have girlfriend?
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