Boyfriend said "I love you" first time during sex

Me and my boyfriend have known each other for 8 months but been dating for almost 4 months and today when we were having sex he said I love you. At first I was like omg so I didn't say anything back I just held him in closer. Then he stopped thrusting but while he was still inside of me he said babe. And I looked at him and he said "I love you." Then I said I love you too and we continued. After a little bit longer we were still going and he said again "I mean it. I love you." He's said I love you to me one time before but we were laughing and he just mouthed it from across the room. And after that he didn't say anything. So tonight when we were leaving each other and saying bye he didn't say I love you or anything. It was just the normal drive safe I'll see you tomorrow kind of thing. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say it first or like he's not the one to say it when we are leaving each other. Idk what to think. Is it bad to say I love you for the first time during sex?