Chapter 4.2
Hyeon Woojin was a friend of a friend. He was the man Taeshin had been in love with.
If it weren’t for him, if Taeshin hadn’t committed suicide...
Haewon couldn't bring himself to get into the car due to the tight, breathless tremor in his body from not wanting to let go of the fabric he was clutching. When Hyeon Woojin became exasperated and ultimately angry, Haewon pretended not to notice. On Christmas Day, the day when even the most indifferent people show mercy, Haewon ignored him despite owing him a debt of gratitude.
He closed his eyes. The heavy fatigue pressing down on his body forced him to try and sleep.
When he woke up, it was past 2 AM. Thanks to the soundproofing installed on the walls, the external noise was inaudible, and internal sounds didn’t carry outside. It was quiet, probably because it was so late at night.
The stillness of the night was a familiar sensation. It felt like he had finally returned to his normal life. Haewon tried to wake up at the same time every day, but when that didn’t work, he got up when he wanted and slept when he felt like it. If he woke up in the middle of the night, he didn’t force himself to sleep again. He would listen to music, study sheet music, or, like tonight, have a simple meal when hunger struck.
He quickly filled his stomach with instant food and pulled out his violin. He hadn’t practiced in days. He grabbed whatever sheet music came to hand from the shelf and pulled out the first one he found. It turned out to be Ravel’s Tzigane.
He generously applied rosin to the bow and tightened the screw. Of the four bows he owned, he preferred the one designed for solo performances. He adjusted the violin, draping it over his shoulder, and carefully tuned it by turning the pegs.
The officetel was a place where Haewon could practice whenever he wanted. He had never been grateful for it or thought much about it, but now, it felt precious. He realized how much he cherished his identity as a violinist, especially after his usual routine had been suddenly stripped away.
Haewon opened the music stand and began playing.
Tzigane starts with a long cadenza for the violin.
It was said that Ravel took two years to write this piece, inspired by the Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi. After seeing her play, Ravel composed this piece, meant to showcase the full extent of d’Arányi’s virtuosity, and dedicated it to her. This piece was Tzigane.