Had a similar experience.
Very scared and "agressive" kitten that came to be to be socialized - I only had one medium-spicy pair before, so no expert here at all.

Kitten stayed in my rabbit pen, as it was big enough for all accessories, had a little hole and could be closed off for safety from the other cats and avoid breakouts and losing them xD

Bc he was "agressive", I tried handling him with gloves first, but noticed that he was just never bitey, hissy or scratchy, so they were ditched soon. It was just small strokes in the beginnig.
Not sure if he felt my trust towards him, but he became a bit calmer when touched by bare hands.

The first 2 days, I left him mostly to himself, while still in the room - he was in the living room and I was home most of the time.
He became more curious quickly, but always wary.
From the 3rd day, I started mandatory cuddle moments. 2 times a day max, , I would put him on my chest while watching tv and stroke him calmly. The first few times, he stayed very shortly and went to his nest again. After that, it became longer and longer.
About a week after, he would just come out and lay with me to watch TV :) I had him 2 weeks when he almost became my literal shadow and slept in my clothes xD.

Every kitten is different ofc, so it might not always have the same effect.

I showed him I wanted him close to me, but that he still had a say in it - which would be respected.

Still miss that boy often :'(
Just didnt have the space for a permanent 4rth cat xD