My ex from when I was 14. Why does he keep coming back?

I’m 19 now. When I was a freshman in high school, I began seeing a senior. He was my first “love,” but now looking back at it, it isn’t love. We were on and off for two years, and at the end of it I got tired of him reappearing in my life and told him I was done. We were cool afterwards, I’d go to him for advice a few years later about another guy. But we don’t have contact anymore. Well, when I began college, he tried messaging me about how I look good and he wants to be in touch again, I didn’t answer. A year later (so this summer), he messaged me saying he’s happy I look happy and wishes me the best. I only said thank you and kept it moving. The other day I posted a picture and he sent me it saying I look incredible. I haven’t kept the door open at all other than saying thank you to his messages, why does he keep messaging me and seeming like he wants to try again when there’s NO hope (he cheated multiple times when we’re together and I’ve moved past it) what’s he really truing to do?