Phasing Out?

For months, possibly even a year hugs were replaced with high fives at his request. Our "I love you's" were replied to with a "yeah". We accepted he maybe just wasn't an affectionate child. His tender heart and caring nature were apparent in other areas. Lately, though, I'm wondering if it was a phase because the many hugs lately and this, done quietly on his own while insisting I not peek, have me melting. I had an idea when I heard him whisper to his dad "how do you spell love? l-o-v"?