How to subtly portray a secret relationship
I currently have a set of characters in which two of them have had (and still do have) history together, however I do not intend to drop the ball on the reader and write down their backstory because it does not seem to fit the narrative. They're side-characters that aid the true protagonists and due to their relationship being a secret they're trying to keep it to themselves, but I'd still like to hint that relationship in some shape or form without it being too obvious.
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An alternative is to change your definition of "secret". For example, I knew two professors that were sleeping together and exclusively (one was a friend of mine outside of work), but very few of our colleagues knew the extent of their relationship. The department chair had been told by them (as required to deal with conflicts of interest), but is prohibited from telling anyone about it.
At work they were friendly, but not intimate at all, not even touching. They appeared to be friends. Laughed at the same things. Went to lunch together but usually with a group. They did not mention dating or intercourse.
Now if somebody asked him what her favorite color was, or favorite band, or whatever, he would answer truthfully. If somebody asked him if they were dating or sleeping together, I'm pretty sure he would reply that romance and sex were unprofessional and inappropriate topics of conversation.
I heard a gay actor say a great line during an interview: "I live my life as an open book. That doesn't mean I have to read it to you."
For these two professors, to what extent is their relationship a "secret"? They don't lie about it, they won't deny it, nor will they confirm it. They won't pretend they don't know each other.
Another great line, this time from a sitcom: Two guys are sitting together. One of them, we (the viewers) know has committed a crime.
Guy A: "Did you do it? Just tell me."
Guy B: "Look. You're my friend. I'm not going to lie to you." (long pause, Guy A gets impatient.
Guy A: "So? Did you do it?"
Guy B: "So that's my answer! I'm not going to lie to you!"
Your "secret" can be not so much an intentional deception or lie, but just not revealing their personal feelings and history. And in that vein, you can portray them as best friends without crossing the line into things they would only do or say as lovers. For example, they can seek other out in their idle time and at meal times, be seen laughing together often, finish each other's sentences. They like to be together. Like best friends, they know each other, and how they think. They are concerned specifically for each other's safety. If one is sick or injured, the other cares for them. But they keep their private life private; not by lying about it, but by not volunteering any information or answers about it. From outward appearances, you might not be able to tell if they are siblings that love each other nonsexually, or a pair in love.
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