The studio was filled with silence.
Though the song had ended, no one dared to speak. Yongtae and Eunpyo glanced at Geon, who was crying inside the studio with red-rimmed eyes.
Intae, soaked in emotion at the sight of Geon's sobbing, entered the studio and brought Geon out. Tapping Geon's shoulder and suggesting a breather outside, Intae opened the door, ushered Geon out, and turned to Yongtae.
"How about it? Should we get some drinks?"
Yongtae, still with reddened eyes, abruptly stood up, grabbed Intae's shoulder, and shook him.
"What... What is this! What's with him! He's just a high schooler! Does this make any sense? Even a singer with 30 years of experience can't sing like this!"
Eunpyo, seemingly unable to gather the strength to rise, wiped tears with a tissue.
"I can't even speak... This explosion of emotions is something else."
Intae gestured between them, alternatingly, raising a finger inquiringly.
"How about it? Want some coaching? Can we fix this in one go?"
Yongtae slumped into a chair, looking bewildered.
"How... How can we coach this kind of song?"
Eunpyo nodded in agreement.
"We need to add more to this recording. Even without mixing or mastering, would the client approve if we handed it over like this? If they listen and criticize, the PD's reputation will be trash, really."
Yongtae lightly tapped Eunpyo's back while saying:
"If you haven't even mastered it, you rascal, hurry up and do it. If we start now, won't it be finished in about six hours? We can send it to the PD by tomorrow."
Yongtae lit a cigarette, looking at Intae again.
"Phew... PD already knows there's an issue with the recording, no matter how much they've been calling. Now they might have some face to show. Thanks to you, kid. You truly have an ear for this."
Intae smiled back and responded, "Haha, see? Trust me. You'll get proper drinks, won't you?"
Yongtae chuckled, saying, "Sure, I'll take you to a fancy place. Of course, after we finish our work and get the PD's approval."
Just then, Geon returned to the studio.
Though the storm of emotions had somewhat subsided, with a calmer demeanor, he spoke, "I'm sorry, Producer. I got a bit overwhelmed by emotions. You can start recording now."
Yongtae widened his eyes, looking at Geon, then exchanged a glance with Eunpyo and burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, that's it. That's enough, Geon. You're the first one to make a recording after I set up this studio."
Geon, surprised, widened his eyes, then looked at Intae sitting on the sofa. Intae, seeing Geon's expression, laughed heartily and gave him a supportive pat.
"What a charming lad! Hahaha, let's go eat. Our great Producer will surely treat us!"
Yongtae jumped up from his PC chair, saying, "Yeah, let's eat first! Eunpyo, just start the mastering, leave it running, and come along. We need some meat on a day like this."
Eunpyo swiftly controlled the PC, seeming excited. "Wow, PD, are we having beef today?"
Yongtae, looking at Eunpyo, raised a fist. "Men eat pork! It's pork belly!"
Eunpyo defended himself with hands, saying, "Oh, why! It's always pork belly? Have you made enemies with pork? Will you eat all the pigs on Earth?"
Yongtae, whether Eunpyo defended himself or not, gestured vigorously.
"Hey, you know how expensive beef is!"
Eunpyo managed to press the mastering start button and fled, saying, "Oh come on! Stop hitting me on the back of my head, you over-thirty brother! You won't even buy beef! Intae-hyung, say something!"
Intae laughed, watching Eunpyo run.
"Men eat pork, buddy."
Eunpyo shot an accusing look at Intae, then ran away. Yongtae, encouraged by Intae's support, playfully chased after Eunpyo.
Geon, seemingly still puzzled, watched the three of them alternately, unable to understand a word.