Nova looked over the assembled cast, her eyes sharp and assessing, a slight furrow forming on her brow. She exuded an aura of authority that filled the room. "I am assuming you are afraid of me?" she asked, her voice calm but commanding, slicing through the tense air like a knife.

Shia, despite her light shake of the head, could not hide the nervousness that betrayed her. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, catching the light. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to compose herself. Junhyeok, always perceptive, noticed her discomfort and quickly handed her a tissue paper, his movements fluid and unobtrusive. She clutched it tightly, as though it were a lifeline, too scared to even wipe away the sweat.

".. let's relax ourselves first," Nova suggested, her voice taking on a slightly softer tone. She gestured for everyone to close their files, a simple yet effective way to ease the tension. "Alright then. Boys, go ahead and introduce yourselves."

Wubin Jeon spoke up first, his voice clear but humble. "..I am Wubin Jeon, and I'm happy to be working with you all in this drama." His posture was straight, his expression earnest, and his words carried a genuine warmth that slightly eased the tight atmosphere in the room.

The manager, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood further, asked with a genial smile, "You seem to already know Yua Han?"

"Ah yes. Yua and I have worked together in some dramas and advertisements," Wubin responded, his tone casual yet respectful. He glanced at Yua, who returned his smile with a polite nod.

"Do you also know the other casts?" the manager continued, his curiosity piqued.

"Ah no, not really. I did meet Junhyeok once before though," Wubin admitted, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Oh yes, Hyeong met me during the makeup commercial," Junhyeok chimed in, bowing slightly toward the manager. His youthful features lit up with the memory. "You were so young and cute then," Wubin chuckled, a friendly laugh that echoed softly in the room. "That was a long time ago, Hyeong."

Shia, seated next to Junhyeok, added with a small, supportive smile, "That commercial was the start of your career though."

"I met you then as well," Junhyeok mentioned, his eyes reflecting a fond recollection of those early days.

The manager, enthused by this revelation, remarked with a touch of excitement, "Oh? It seems you three know each other from here and there." His eyes sparkled with the thought of the cast's pre-existing chemistry.

They nodded in unison, a small sign of camaraderie already forming. Nova's gaze, however, remained critical and discerning. Her eyes landed on Yua. "Anyone you know here apart from Wubin?" she asked, her tone probing yet neutral.

"...yes. I have known Shia for quite some time now," Yua replied, casting a glance at Shia. Her expression was soft but held an undercurrent of something more complicated. Shia, in response, smiled brightly, a smile that seemed to mask a multitude of emotions.

"It's amazing that Seonbanim remembers me," Shia said cheerfully, her voice trying to maintain an upbeat tone.

"How can I not?" Yua's tone briefly betrayed a hint of something deeper, almost anger, before she composed herself again. She wondered if Shia was trying to hide their acquaintance, their former friendship, from everyone in the room.

Nova's voice cut through Yua's thoughts like a razor. "It seems you don't want to remember her," she observed, glancing sharply at Shia.

Shia hesitated, gulping, but her smile remained intact, though now it seemed more forced. Nova's question had unearthed something Yua had been longing to understand. The silence stretched, becoming almost palpable, as everyone waited for Shia to speak.

"It's not that, ma'am," Shia began, addressing Nova with a respectful nod. "I just thought maybe being the star she is, Seonbanim might not want me to mention we were acquainted." Her voice was steady, but there was a slight quiver that only those truly attentive would catch.

Nova raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Shia's cautious words. "Yua is much more mature and grounded," she stated, her words carrying weight and finality. These words brought Yua a sense of relief and composure. She fought back tears and a lump in her throat, her eyes involuntarily finding their way back to Shia, searching for any sign of reciprocation.

Yua took a deep breath and finally spoke, her voice clear and sincere. "Thank you for such kind words, ma'am," she then turned to Shia, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence. "And you need not worry about stuff like that, Miss Kwon. I'm happy to know that we actually knew each other and are now working together on this drama." Her smile was genuine, a bridge attempting to span the gap that had formed between them.

Shia nodded like a little girl receiving a cherished treat, her earlier tension easing slightly.

Nova, observing the exchange with keen eyes, shifted the focus, asking, "Anyone else you want to talk to before I lay some announcements?"

Yua seized the opportunity, her tone respectful but carrying a hint of warmth. "..how are you, director?" she asked, her question carrying a subtle weight, almost like an olive branch.

Nova smiled, a rare expression that transformed her face. Even the manager, accustomed to Nova's stern demeanor, was taken aback, waiting for the worst but witnessing something different, something almost tender.

"Haha. Very clever of you, Yua. I am good. How about you?" Nova's voice held a trace of amusement, her eyes softening ever so slightly.

"I'm good too, ma'am. Glad to know I'll be working with so many people I know, including you," Yua replied, her tone sincere and warm.

"Haha. Haha. You amuse me, Yua Han. I knew you were witty but not this much." Nova's laugh was genuine, a rare sound that seemed to lighten the mood in the room.

Yua beamed at Nova, her smile genuine and bright. She had only known Nova through news and articles, never personally until now. But she wanted to convey her respect and eagerness to work with her. She knew that Nova valued enthusiasm and interest without overt desperation, a rare trait that could put an actor in her good books. She had done her homework, meticulously gathering information about Nova, understanding what the director appreciated.

"It came in handy," Yua thought to herself, satisfied with her preparation and its outcome.

Nova swiveled in her chair, then tapped her hands on the table, signaling her return to business. The sound reverberated in the room, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "First things first. Today's table read was a disappointment."

The room fell silent, the implication clear and cutting. Only one person had read her lines, making it obvious whom Nova was referring to. Shia bit her lower lip discreetly, feeling the sting of the criticism like a physical blow. Her mind raced, replaying the table read, searching for where she went wrong.

"Next," Nova continued, her voice steady and unyielding, "I am happy I got to know a little more about my actors." She glanced at Yua, who responded with a professional smile that masked the turmoil inside her.

"Finally, I hope you all can ease around me a little bit more so we can have a smooth sailing shoot. It's pretty dark outside now, so I'll conclude this meeting here. I expect you all to be here by nine in the morning tomorrow for the first table read. You are all dismissed. Good day."

They nodded and stood up to leave, the weight of Nova's words hanging heavily in the air. Wubin was the last to exit, lingering with the manager and Nova discussing further details. He quietly shut the door behind him, turning to his co-casts with a determined expression. "We have a lot to work on starting tomorrow, so rest up, guys," he said, his voice carrying both encouragement and a hint of warning. With that, he walked away, his footsteps echoing in the hallway.

Junhyeok bowed to the ladies, his movements graceful and respectful, then jogged toward his manager, who helped him to the car. As they drove off, visible through the glass door, Yua swiftly turned to face Shia, her expression a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

"Shia, I believe we have things to discuss," Yua said, her voice firm but tinged with an underlying plea for understanding.

"...Look, Yua. I really just want to make this work, so could you please leave your feelings at home--" Shia began, her tone defensive and strained, trying to maintain a facade of professionalism.

"That was pretty rude of you. I remember we used to be the best of friends. And I still believe we are. So tell me, Shia, what is your reason here?" Yua's voice was steady, her eyes piercing through the walls Shia had built around herself.

"What?" Shia responded, taken aback by the directness of Yua's question.

"I am assuming there is a reason why you are pushing me away. I will forgive you for it because you don't know how much I have missed you, Shia." Yua's voice softened, the vulnerability in her eyes unmistakable. She had missed Shia, the bond they once shared, and couldn't understand why it had to be this way now.

Shia stared at Yua bitterly, her eyes rolling at Yua's words. She felt a mixture of emotions boiling inside her, emotions she had tried to suppress for so long. "The reason? There is no reason. Because I know you, I made my way into the entertainment industry, so thanks for that. But that was it. Don't assume I want to remain friends with you, stupid. I am only a friend of money and fame, and I only used you for the time you remember of us. Good day."

Shia's words were sharp and cold, each one a dagger aimed at Yua's heart. With that, Shia turned sharply and marched toward the glass door, her steps hurried and determined. She held back her tears, clenching her lips together, fighting the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She exited the building without looking back, her form disappearing into the night.

Yua watched her walk away, feeling a heavy weight settling on her chest. She stood there for a moment, stunned and hurt by Shia's harsh words. The memories of their friendship flashed before her eyes, the laughter, the shared dreams, the bond that she thought was unbreakable.

The realization that it was all gone, that Shia had only used her, was like a knife twisting in her heart.Unable to hold back any longer, Yua fell to her knees, heavy tears streaming down her face. The world around her blurred, and she felt an overwhelming sense of loss and betrayal. She sobbed quietly, her shoulders shaking, her heart aching. The pain was raw and deep, a wound that seemed too vast to heal.

Minutes passed, and Yua finally gathered herself, wiping her tears with trembling hands. She stood up slowly, feeling exhausted and drained. The building was quiet, almost eerily so, the echoes of the earlier meeting fading into the silence of the night. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, to find a way to move forward despite the hurt.

As she walked towards the exit, her mind kept replaying Shia's words. She couldn't understand why Shia had become so cold, so distant. Was it really just about money and fame? Or was there something more, something deeper that Shia was hiding? These questions haunted her, making each step feel heavier than the last.

Outside, the night air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere inside. Yua paused, looking up at the stars scattered across the sky. She found a strange comfort in their distant, unwavering presence. She took another deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs, and tried to find some semblance of peace.

As she started walking again, her thoughts turned to the upcoming shoot. She knew she had to focus, to give her best despite the personal turmoil she was going through.