[ilguy]

Ria gave a great answer. I just want to add I've also run into this with my late hamster Pearl, they don't necessarily need food to interact. Some days she just wanted to check it out due to curiosity, and eventually try to climb up my arm.

That he's climbing on you without biting or freaking out is progress! He's interested in you, give it time and maybe he'll be receptive to petting one day