How to know if someone you like actually likes you back?
I am unfortunately not really good at figuring things out even if they are obvious. So im here again to ask for some help. I am 25(F) and I've never been in an actual relationship. Never had feelings for or wanted to be with someone. But I had found this person who has changed a lot of aspects for me. I am going to be honest here but I do find them incredibly adorable and gorgeous. I find myself copying their behaviors and things they say. Things they do are so cute that I will be alone and think about them and squeal like a child talking about a puppy or a kitten. I feel like I'm a creep for doing this though and only express this when I'm by myself. I would like to tell them how I feel but I'm very scared they will hate me if I do.
Now how they act with me is another area where I need help because I do not want to push anything if they're just being friendly. When we hang out they let their full personality out which is usually fairly reserved. They've given me kisses on the cheek and my forehead multiple times, not just while alone but with people present too. I had a stalker for a little bit and they came to rescue me when he wouldn't leave me alone. Asked me for consent to kiss me on the lips to possibly scare him away. That situation seems to have settled (I'm so grateful for them) but even when we hang out in a group
I do sometimes catch them staring at me. I never end up looking back and I pretend I don't noticed because I'm scared to make them uncomfortable. They have also moved into a room right beside mine, we work for the same company so are in housing. But last month they were sitting on our porch and I had come over to check on them. No words were said and they lifted their arms up so I stood infront to take their hands and I was pulled into a hug or a cuddle. I laid on top with them for a few minutes and they smelled so nice. I wanted to say something but I was worried I was going to make it awkward, but they went and said it first to me. (And then I didn't want to sound like a copycat.) But then it was cut short because my brother had come over and scared us. I struggle with self esteem and feel like I'm not good enough for them. And I’m really worried im going to end up pushing them away completely. I do want to kiss them back, but I feel that it'd be gross if I did it.
So if anyone is able to help me understand a little bit I could really use the help because I do not want to ruin anything. I love them very dearly and don't want to hurt them at all. I try to express my care by getting them things they like or if at a shop and finds something but puts it back I end up buying it for them. So is anything I've explained here a signal that means I am just a friend or do they like me? I do want to ask them, I'm just really scared to do so. I could ask people I know but I also fear judgment or causing drama.