Honestly, I thought the same at first but the more I think about it, it's actually because Tae was so-so dead exhausted; he said he felt like a corpse, plus he saw no point in telling anything anymore.
The first time, he muttered what Ilay demanded in a barely audible voice bc of pure exhaustion but the reason he managed to shout it the second time was bc he saw Ilay’s face and got terrified that Ilay would continue.
Tae wanted to tell him the truth before things escalated, but now that things have escalated far beyond (Ilay had done what he had done), Tae questioned everything regarding his own feelings/considered the possibility of being schizophrenic and literally saw no point in telling Ilay since even if he did justify his action, it wouldn't undo anything that Ilay did. Bro was technically traumatized by Ilay. Tae probably thinks that even if he did justify himself, would he even want to stay with Ilay after what Ilay did to him?
I def get you tho, but that's pretty much why.
[Minor spoiler below] Don't read if u don't want to be spoiled a tiny bit of their relationship.
I grew to love their relationship in the sequels tho. I’m still pissed sometimes but the relationship development is definitely developing.
Bruh he's not gonna even listen so what's the point of talking atp?
so taeui could have told him right then and there when he took the gloves out of his mouth, that he wasnt running from him, but of course he didnt. wtaf.