Probably and maybe becuz this Korean author is stereotyping Italians as touchy-feely & very flirty.
It might be, but all characters are latinos, not just Elia, and he is the only one that fits the "flirty latino" stereotype. Daniel is very serious and reserved
In the earlier chapters it's mentioned that Elia was used by women from a young age, fed alcohol and drugs, and partied a lot. I imagine he has a warped understanding of boundaries and I feel his flirty nature was his defense mechanism to actually being depressed and anxious due to his past trauma.
The way Elia has no respect for boundaries and is so overly touchy-feely makes me hella uncomfortable