[Komaeda's irritation isn't helped by the fact that both Ryou and Atem stand when he sits. It feels aggressive to his already agitated dog brain when, reasonably, he knows they aren't trying to start a fight—despite whatever animal instinct scratches at the edges of his mind. It doesn't mean that thought doesn't cross his mind, however, nor the power balance between him and two priests.

But he sets it aside because now the yelling of a moment prior makes sense, it has context. Atem's upset because he didn't mention dating Hinata and... Well, Komaeda can't fault him for it. He remembers what it felt like, when he found out that Ryou and Atem were together through someone else entirely. At least like this, it was from someone somewhat related to the situation.

Komaeda, beneath the veil of his shaggy mane, closes his eyes and steels his nerves. He can't let his emotions get the better of him, even if the fur around his shoulders and down his arms has bristled.]

...It's fine, Ryou-kun. It needed to be said, anyways.

[He tilts his head upwards, in the direction of Atem. The disparity between their positions looking every bit like a subject kneeled before their king, though he doubts he'd be allowed to look upon someone so important in those different times.]

I'm sorry I didn't mention it sooner, Atem-kun. It's not like I was trying to hide it from you, but... Every time we met up since, my mind was either distracted by the events happening around us, or an objective I selfishly asked you to help me with... I didn't think it would make you so upset, considering that you were okay with Lila, and you knew my feelings for him.

[But it did make Atem upset, didn't it? The look on his face now, bloomed with bruise-like color, looks ever bit the man realizing how foolish he was. Komaeda lifts a paw-hand and scratches at the back of his neck sheepishly.]

...It's not like it changes how I've felt about you for two years. And that's what we're here to talk about, right?