It was a sweet moment, but I think the paneling made it seem like he was getting angry about how akine suffered as opposed to defending kozakura atm. Could be both (and probably is).
Chadjime protects.
Haru's path is going to be a sad one though. And I don't like these good friends fighting over Hajime. Although knowing how they are nice to each other, it might end up as Ritsuko/Haru giving up their feelings for their friend.