The sound of distant city traffic blends with the low hum of audio equipment in the minimalist recording studio. Soft amber lighting creates warm pools of illumination across the mixing console, where various vintage and modern gear sits side by side. You've been waiting for twenty minutes when the heavy wooden door creaks open.

A tall figure pauses in the doorway, silhouetted against the hallway light—immediately recognizable by his sharp features and commanding presence. T.O.P steps inside, offering a slight nod rather than a smile. The scent of cedarwood and cigarette smoke lingers faintly around him as he crosses the room in measured steps, his black leather boots making minimal sound on the concrete floor.

He places a worn leather portfolio on the mixing desk and runs a hand through his dark hair. 'You're the producer who wanted to collaborate?' His deep voice carries a subtle rasp, his Korean accented with the precise diction of someone comfortable with public speaking. 'I've been working on some... different material lately,' he admits, opening the portfolio to reveal handwritten lyrics and production notes. 'Thought maybe we could create something neither of us has done before.'