Cloud brings his drink up to sip again as he ducks his head, mostly just to try to hide whatever little pleased expression he might be making. Buddy, do you like like me? Zack asked him, and Cloud wasn't sure what the reaction to his non-answer meant, but...is it possible Zack wanted him to say yes?

"Well...what other word would you use, then?" At this point he's stopped questioning why he's still talking about any of this, especially with Genesis of all people. It's just happening, and he'll have to accept that.