Hinting is hoping. Asking is choosing.

A hint leaves the outcome with somebody else, and it protects you from hearing no by making sure the question never quite gets asked. The cost is that you also cannot be answered. Asking straight out is uncomfortable for ten seconds and then settles the matter either way, which beats a week of waiting to see whether they picked up on it.

Find the thing you have been circling and turn it into a direct question this week. Say exactly what you want, and make it easy to answer in one word.