Wubin's fingers snapped sharply in front of Yua's eyes, jolting her out of her thoughts. She turned to face him, her expression jumping from surprise to nervousness in an instant. "Wh-what?" she stammered, forcing a smile.

Wubin's concern softened his features as he spoke gently, "Noona, the manager asked you to introduce yourself next. Are you okay?"

Yua took a moment to collect herself, her nervousness evident in her voice. "A-ah. Yeah. I'm fine. Sorry, I was just a bit... nervous..."

"It's alright. Everyone has those days," Shia chimed in, smiling warmly at Yua, offering her reassurance. Yua nodded uncertainly in response before gathering her thoughts to speak.

"I am Yua Han," she began, her voice steady but tinged with excitement. "I began acting when I was nine, and I am very excited to be working together with you all on this project." Her brief introduction was met with applause from her fellow cast members.

Before the conversation could continue, the doors burst open with a loud bang, causing everyone to turn their attention towards the entrance. Tae-Hyun stood up immediately, followed by the main actors, as they all glanced at the director making his way to his seat.

"Good to see my cast here together," Dowon said with a warm smile, gesturing for everyone to take their seats. Despite his strict reputation, there was a soft, fatherly side to him that put his actors at ease, and that was evident in the relaxed atmosphere of the room.

"Shall we start our first table-read?" Dowon suggested, signaling the beginning of the next phase of their project.

At the director's prompt, the cast members eagerly reached for their scripts, neatly arranged on the pristine white table before them. Yua's eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the minimalist decor before returning her gaze to her script.

The room enveloped them in a serene ambiance, its walls painted a pristine white that seemed to amplify the soft glow of the overhead lights. A faint scent of perfume lingered in the air, adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere.

In the center of the room sat a round table, its surface gleaming under the gentle light. Surrounding it were six chairs, each one a perfect match to the table, their sleek white design seamlessly blending with the room's aesthetic.

As Yua skimmed through the pages of her script, her attention was drawn to Shia, who cleared her throat with an air of confidence. "This is the only school with a proper infrastructure," Shia declared, her tone dripping with arrogance.

Shia's character, Lieri, was the epitome of beauty and privilege. Hailing from a wealthy family, Lieri took immense pride in her status and flaunted it with every word and action. Despite her haughty demeanor, she was fiercely dedicated to her studies, a trait that set her apart from her peers. However, her disdain for social interaction was palpable, as she rudely dismissed anyone who dared to approach her.

Yua couldn't help but admire Shia's portrayal of Lieri, capturing the character's essence with precision.

In her mind, Yua commended Shia's performance, setting aside any reservations she may have had about her character's appearance or demeanor in the drama. As the table-read continued, each actor delved deeper into their respective roles, bringing the characters to life with every line spoken. The room buzzed with energy as the cast began to embody their roles, laying the foundation for what promised to be an unforgettable performance.

In the midst of the table-read, Wubin, fully immersed in his character Rufford's persona, delivered his line with a playful chuckle, "Oh? Aren't you Lieri Geum?" His portrayal of Rufford, an American-Korean student who lived life carefree and without a care in the world, was spot-on. Wubin's own carefree nature seemed to seamlessly blend with Rufford's character, adding authenticity to his performance.

Yua couldn't help but acknowledge Wubin's acting prowess, despite harboring a childhood dislike for him. She admired his ability to bring out the intricate details of his character, even though their personal interactions were strained.

Shia, embodying the role of Lieri, responded with a striking snark, "Sheesh. Do I know you?" Her delivery was sharp and precise, perfectly capturing Lieri's disdainful attitude towards Rufford's playful antics.

Wubin, undeterred, continued with his line, "Hah. So it's true. You are a complete nuisance~" His whistle punctuated the line, bringing Rufford's carefree charm to life.

As the characters continued their exchange, the tension between them simmered, setting the stage for the introduction of Helios. Helios, a mysterious and reserved student, entered the scene, his character shrouded in secrecy and intrigue.

Junhyeok cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room before delivering his line with a soft yet commanding tone, "Can you guys talk somewhere else?" His monotone voice held a hint of authority, demanding attention without raising in volume. Yua couldn't help but silently commend Junhyeok's delivery as she listened, appreciating the subtle nuances in his performance.

As the scene unfolded, Wubin, still in character as Rufford, questioned, "Who are you?" His tone curious yet wary, reflecting Rufford's natural skepticism.

Shia, portraying Lieri, scoffed dismissively, "He is the ghost of the school." Her words dripped with disdain, capturing Lieri's characteristic arrogance and penchant for belittling others.

With the introduction of Louise, played by Yua, a new dynamic entered the scene. Louise was depicted as a loner, much like Lieri, preferring solitude over social interaction. Yua embodied Louise's persona effortlessly, her voice soft and gentle as she questioned, "Why are you guys making such a scene?"

Tae-Hyun couldn't contain his admiration, applauding loudly at Yua's recital. Even the director nodded in approval, recognizing the depth and authenticity she brought to her character. As the table-read progressed, each actor continued to breathe life into their roles, adding layers of complexity to the story and setting the stage for a captivating performance.

"You are sure cut from a different cloth, Yua Han. How are you so talented?" Tae-Hyun exclaimed, his awe palpable in the room.

Yua responded with humility, a smile gracing her lips as she replied, "It's nothing, sir. I am glad my hard work is recognized by such great people like yourselves."

Tae-Hyun nodded happily, his pride evident as he reflected on his decision to cast Yua as the female lead. Meanwhile, the director, who had been observing the proceedings with a slightly relaxed demeanor, sat up straight in his chair, preparing to address the cast.

"You all are already doing so well," Dowon began, his words filled with encouragement. "I hope we can continue to maintain this enthusiasm—" His sentence was cut short as a sudden throb of pain gripped his chest, causing him to wince. With trembling hands, he clutched at his shirt, his fists crumbling as he slumped back into his chair.

"DIRECTOR DOWON!" Tae-Hyun exclaimed, the panic evident in his voice as they rushed to his side. The room buzzed with concern as the cast and crew sprung into action, seeking to assist their beloved director in his time of need.

With swift efficiency, Tae-Hyun sprang into action, his calm demeanor a reassuring presence amid the chaos. Summoning assistance, he coordinated the director's immediate transfer to the nearest hospital, ensuring that help was swiftly on its way. The cast, stunned into silence, could only watch with bated breath as their beloved mentor was carefully ushered out of the studio, leaving behind an unsettling void in his wake.

In the tense moments that followed, the studio was enveloped in a solemn hush as the cast grappled with the shock of what had just transpired. Their initial excitement now tempered by concern, they gathered in quiet clusters, offering silent prayers for the well-being of the man who had shaped their craft in ways they could scarcely fathom.

Hours stretched into eternity as they awaited news of Dowon's condition, each passing moment weighted with uncertainty.

As the hours wore on, word finally arrived – the director was stable, his condition being closely monitored by a team of medical professionals. Relief flooded the studio, mingling with gratitude for the swift action that had undoubtedly saved his life.

The director was stable but he hadn't gained consciousness yet. The atmosphere within the hospital ward was charged with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation as the main cast of "Their Lives" and their manager - Tae-Hyun anxiously awaited news of the legendary director's condition. Their collective worry hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the normally bustling corridors of the medical facility.

As they huddled together, exchanging whispered words of encouragement and support, a new figure approached the ward with an air of quiet determination. Her presence was commanding, her steps purposeful as she strode into the room with an unreadable expression etched upon her features.

Silence descended as all eyes turned towards the newcomer, their curiosity piqued by the arrival of this enigmatic figure. With a grace that belied her presence, she moved through the room, her gaze lingering briefly on the door to the director's ward before settling upon the main cast and Tae-Hyun.

"It's a shame the director went through such pain," she remarked, her voice carrying the weight of authority as she addressed the group in a stern tone. "But since he can't be in charge of the drama anymore, I'll take his place."

The cast exchanged wary glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes as they processed the implications of her words. Here stood a woman they had never met, yet who now declared herself the successor to their revered director. Tae-Hyun, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward, his expression guarded as he sought clarification.

"And who might you be?" he inquired, his tone cautious as he regarded the woman before him.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes as she regarded the group with a sense of undeniable confidence. "Oh, right," she replied, her voice carrying a note of amusement. "I'm Nova. The notorious director Nova."

Her words hung in the air, a declaration that sent shockwaves through the room. Nova – a name whispered in hushed tones throughout the industry, synonymous with innovation, brilliance, and controversy in equal measure. To have her offer her services as a replacement for their beloved director was both unexpected and unsettling.

Yet, as they studied her impassive expression, they found themselves drawn to the undeniable magnetism that surrounded Nova. There was a fire within her, a spark of creativity and determination that spoke volumes of her capabilities as a director.

And so, with hesitant nods and murmured words of acceptance, they welcomed Nova into their midst, recognizing that in her hands lay the future of their drama.