I don't think they realise they love each other. They both think that they are the only one in love and that the other one is in the relationship for other reasons (Itonaga thinks Sanada is just atoning for the past, Sanada thinks Itonaga is too scared to refuse him), so they are both afraid of losing the person they love. Comments scream of communication, but it's really difficult to communicate when you're scared of losing a person who is important to you. They could do better, but so could most people in real life. ┑(￣Д ￣)┍
That’s what happens but
Spoiler
They work it out in the end
First they loved each other and one of them against this love and the end.
Second one they realized they still love each other and one of them misunderstood this love and what will happen again, I dunno.
This story keep pushing around.
(╯°Д °)╯╧╧