Did he really just say that? Did he... yes. He absolutely, 100% said that. 'Little gentleness'? That was it, the butterflies were back with a vengeance to boot. They have to look away from Gyre again, before he spots how flustered, never mind maybe bit too happy, his words had just made them.

"Gentleness, huh...? And should I take it that I'll be getting that gentleness from you tonight?" Flirt, they can respond to, easily enough. Genuine kindness like Gyre's? Absolutely not. So, they focus on the flirting aspect of his words, with that they know what to do.