Perhaps he is a baal tshuva who is slowly taking on more observance. This might be one of the things he is working on now – his rav might have suggested this as a method of steady growth.
Especially since he kissed it when he put it in his pocket. I’ve never heard a halachic reason for that even if it falls on the floor. Anyone?
Either ways, this fellow is probably someone who can use a friend regardless of what his reasons are – why don’t you say hi next tie you see him?