Heise's Ex-Boyfriends

Ru couldn't stop playing the flute he had picked up with such longing. Melody followed melody, and the number of visible listeners outside doubled: Claude remained seated by the door, and Jazz leaned against the wall.

Though their eyes occasionally met, they seemed almost indifferent to each other's presence—distant and respectful, as if they were strangers.

When Ru paused to sip some water, Jazz broke the silence. "Talented."

Claude, still adjusting to being Claude, focused on his own voice before answering, "Yes."

Then Jazz shifted slightly away from the wall—and drew his sword. Claude tensed immediately. He could still hear Heise's words echoing in his mind:

"You need to kill Jazz."

"Jazz will kill you. Because your beloved Ru..."

Claude's hand slid into his pocket, wrapping around the dice. He was ready to cast a power shield to block a surprise strike.