Paganini's Puppet | Ryeji

Duet Practice

Ryujin POV
"Mom, how do you like Shin Medical Foundations?"

"Oh, it's amazing, really! No need to worry about me, dear."

"That's good to hear. Oh shoot, I'm going to be late for school. Got to go."

"Alright, have a good day!"
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"Ahem..."

I was by my locker before music theory class and turned to see Yeji. She held out a piece of cloth to me.

"Uh? Are you giving this to me?"

"Just take the fucking cloth."

I observed the texture and style of the fabric.

"This is vicuña wool...that's way too expensive. I can't take this."

"Ugh." She rolled her eyes at me and took my hand, forcibly giving me the cloth.

I stared at the fabric in my hand before looking back at her.

"Thanks...are you sure you want to give this away?"

She skewed her gaze away from me.

"I had a spare cloth. Don't think this means anything."

Uh huh. Sure.

"...okay. See you in the practice room later?"

"....whatever."
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There was a very awkward silence. I attempted to break the tension.

"Uh...do you want to start practicing together?" I hesitantly asked.

She ignored me and started tuning her violin.

Rude.

I picked up my cello and tuned it before playing my Dvorak concerto.

"Ugh, shut up with that piece already."

Oh so now she's talking.

"Why? It's what I'm playing for the concert. You have to accompany me, remember?"

"Tsk. Let's just start practicing the Passacaglia."

I rolled my eyes.

"That's what I just suggested."

"Whatever. Follow my queue."

She slightly raised her violin, queuing our entrance.

🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

We made it four measures in before-

"Stop! God, did you even practice?"

I looked at her confused.

"Excuse me?"

"Ugh, it wasn't even together and this is the easy part."

Seriously?

"And that's my fault? You weren't communicating properly."

"Communicating properly?! You're supposed to follow my lead!"

"You're supposed to look to my direction too!"

"Ugh! Let's just try again."

We kept hammering at the piece but struggled considerably.

"It's still not together."

"Tsk. You're still not following me."