Against all common sense of divulging that bit of information at the exact time Eugene had, it was exactly what Yamagi had needed to hear, at the right time.

It has never stopped him beating himself up for the time he's wasted pining instead of acting.

Moreover...

"You knew about my feelings all this time," he reaches one handedly for one of the pillows beside the bed, stretching to grab it by the freshly washed cover, "And you never told me. Jerk."

The pillow swings in a perfect arc before it smacks Shino solidly in the face.

He's seventeen again, all indignation and cheeks flashing warm, only the heat dissipates all too quickly, fury and impulsiveness having simmered down and faded over the years. His tone holds none of the heat nor indignation, just exasperated fondness.

Not that he could have stayed mad at Shino for long either time.