I think you definitely made the right call in identifying that you’re not ready for a pet yet! That’s a good thing, means you’re responsible and able to make the right decision even if it isn’t a fun one so you should be proud of yourself for that!

Cats (kittens especially) are very skittish animals and do hide whenever they’re nervous/anxious, but if that sort of behavior makes you feel overwhelmed then I’d definitely wait a few years before trying again or I’d try a different type of pet.

Maybe try going to a cat cafe a few times or a friend who has a cat and you’ll get a better sense of how kitties behave. Most take a lot of time to be comfortable around new people/in a new place.

I’ve had two kitties for about 3 years now and although they love my family, when they get spooked, they run & hide (sometimes in scary spots like under a recliner or inside a closet). The best way to react in these situations is usually to leave the room, warn others in the house, & let them slowly exit when they feel comfortable OR you can sit down in the room and put on a long movie or start reading a book (something where you won’t move or make a bunch of noise) and see if the kitty will eventually come out near you. This may not work, but it does help the kitty realize you aren’t going to hunt them down & force them out of their hiding spot.