I think most people who were shipping them and pointing out stuff that could be read romantically were doing it knowing that it was a fan re-read of...
The Steph/Cass ship was always based on reading into details (and helped that Cass doesn't have an official love interest and Steph is broken up with...
Doctor Strange: "You are the right person to replace Logan."
X-23: "I know there are people who disapprove... Guys on the Internet mainly."
(All-New Wolverine #4)