It's not like there was anything else they could do at the time. They needed a moment to recuperate (particularly Rin). It's entirely human, and pretty understandable.
The bad timing was kind of the point, though. It was not a confession-like confession at all. It wasn't led into, it wasn't timed the best. Shirou wasn't trying to make an impression, or to get a reaction out of her, or hell, even to confess his feelings. He just stated a fact: he had fallen for Rin. It was nontraditional and unromantic as hell, but that's Shirou. He doesn't care about appearances, or being romantic, or making an impression, or even properly expressing his feelings. He was just stating a fact, and probably didn't even realize the implications of what he'd just said until after Rin reacted. And I love that. It's a refreshing take on a confession scene, even if it didn't have the best foundation building up to it in previous episodes.
...Wait...are you saying Okabe x Kurisu didn't work in Steins;Gate?
But that's... that's one of the best romance subplots I've seen. Hell, I'd even say the singular best.
The confession personally left me cold, so yeah. I've seen similar confessions handled better :/ It might have been in his character, but then I just didn't like the way he acted in UBW romanctic wise.
When it comes to Steins;Gate, I'm just saying that the fact it's a visual novel ruined it for me a little bit... The MC could always end up with any of the girls. They could always make an OVA if they wanted to like they did with Clannad. I don't like Kurisu that much though for some reason... Like I said, Tsunderes are iffy with me, and sometimes even the voice acting bugs me with some people, even if it fits the girl. I've never told anyone this before, but I kind of hate Rin's voice... hahaha, now people can come at me...
EDIT: That reminds me! Look forward to Steins;Gate 0! I'm so looking forward to the new season >_<
Edited by trang95, 27 May 2015 - 12:26 PM.