[He knows you know, now, but if he's gonna talk about the way he feels, now or in the future.... he's gonna be direct about this at least once, at the very least. So he draws back, just enough to look up at Shiro, his expression a serious determination that's so very him, no longer so hesitant, made brave just knowing as always that Shiro would listen regardless.]
... I like you. A lot, Shiro. [So much more than he thought he should ever be allowed to.] And you know I--
[He couldn't say it before, and refuses to waver this time.]
I love you. [It's softer, not as easy to say, but the feeling is there all the more so. Loving him as best friends and family, and being in love with him - both are true. He doesn't look away from Shiro, so a small flicker then crosses his set expression, remembering and. Again maybe helplessly amazed by the reminder, the notion in every sense of it.] I... -- I love you too.