Snakes have small brains.
They don't bond with their keepers.
All behavior is related to feeding, defense, or temp regulation.

Right?

First time snake owner here.

My young BP (about 18 inches, who I've had for about 3 weeks) comes out from his hide when I get home, and actively stretches out at the front of the cage. When I take him out, he seems very happy to be able to roam around my hands, chest, couch, etc.

If I don't take him out, he crawls back to his hide and 'sulks,' LOL...

Is he really reacting to my presence, and telling me that he enjoys coming out of the cage and interacting with me when I get home?

Or am I reading way too much into it?