I saw a post on reddit a while back from the developers of Ableton. Someone asked in the subreddit if they had permission to pirate the program because they are in high school still and don’t have the money to purchase the $600+ program but really wanted to start making music using that DAW. A developer responded saying something along the lines of “We’d prefer you pirate our program to start learning and being creative instead of using another DAW. Then, when you start making a profit on your music you created with the pirated program set some aside and eventually purchase Ableton.” This creates lifetime loyalty tbh. These developers know that they’d rather you use their programs via pirating because they know if those users like it enough they will eventually purchase it. This is exactly what I did. I pirated the program and released some songs until I hade the money to purchase it myself.
I don’t think it’s any different from saying that your newborn is cute or someone’s toddler is a cute kid. It has nothing to do with sexual attraction to the child. Now, I don’t know if your BF is looking for sexual attraction to his younger self. I’d suggest asking probing questions as to the answer he’s looking for. Communication is key to any and all relationships