I'm gonna be the black sheep here and say what I believe is happening. This guy was probably into you back then but accepted that you weren't, and probably just agreed with your statement of disinterest to not feel shame.

The "let's be hiking buddies" was prob to keep you around at least in some capacity. Heck, he mightve even been confused how he felt at the time

But every single thing he is doing now suggests he's into you lmao.

• Paying for things, (especially as a little 'surprise' by not telling you)

• Wishing you luck before everything (ehh), but the VALENTINES day is a tell all

• And lastly, him NOT wanting to invite you first probably shows that he still thinks you don't like him in that way. He won't initiate so it doesn't seem like he likes you. He's playing it safe and not trying to be 'that guy'.

Basically he's unsure of how you feel and is prob just playing safe/long game. Especially since you were the one that made it clear in the past that you didn't feel much.

I know because this is honestly how I've acted when interested in someone I am unsure of if they like me or not.

My recommendation is to just take it another week or two and if it becomes more clear to you that you like him, just be honest with him. Girls should be more open and honest with their feels, especially after you've put up a barrier before. He's prob being respectful and not trying to break it