Struck: The Actress & The Archer | ONC2025

Chapter 1

"Penny, I noticed you chirped the other day, 'I miss you.' Is it because you got to see so little of Copper while she starred in Lover's Lost Treasure?" A devoted fan in the audience asks, her excitement barely contained as she clutches her microphone, eyes wide with anticipation, silently hoping she's correct in her assumption.

I glance at Penny, my heart aching for her; I know all too well that her chirp was a tender reference to her beloved grandmother, especially moving as it fell on the anniversary of her passing. Gently, I reach across the space between us and lace my fingers with hers, giving her a reassuring squeeze. The move elicits a collective 'aww' from our fans, a sound that envelops us like a warm hug.

A soft smile spreads across Penny's face, her dark eyes sparkling as she leans closer to her microphone. Her voice is steady yet filled with emotion. "I was definitely missing Copper that day, and honestly, I can't tell you how grateful I was to see her heart to the post," she responds thoughtfully, her tone reflecting our deep bond. I have no doubt she means what she says, either. The soft gaze and sweet smile tells me that even the little gestures I make don't go unnoticed by her.

I return her smile, my heart swelling with pride. Penny, ever the consummate professional, knows how to navigate these moments, effortlessly crafting answers that resonate with our fans and tug at their heartstrings. In her warmth and sincerity, I see the magic that keeps our audience enchanted.

The staff navigates through the vibrant crowd, their keen eyes scanning the audience for anyone with raised hands. One of the team members makes their way to a striking woman clad in a stunning scarlet red dress that perfectly hugs her figure, accentuating her graceful curves. Her dark hair cascades in soft waves, beautifully framed by a whimsical crown of bright poppies, a playful homage to Penny and my fans' romantic fantasies about us.

"Excuse me, Copper," she begins, a hint of curiosity in her voice, "I was wondering, how difficult was it for you to watch Penny during the love scenes with Chester Chrome in her latest film?"

I take a moment to gather my thoughts, internalizing the weight of the question. "Honestly, I'm incredibly proud of her," I reply, my voice steady and sincere. I'm aware that many of our fans harbor secret wishes for me to feel a tinge of jealousy, hoping for that spark of real-life romance, yearning to witness some heartfelt heartbreak. Yet, even if Penny and I were tangled in a romantic relationship, my admiration for her wouldn't waver. "Penny poured an immense amount of effort into that film, and her performance was nothing short of impeccable."

A part of me feels a twinge of jealousy, but it's not directed at her interactions with another actor. Rather, it stems from the rapid acceleration of her career, which seems to be taking off at lightning speed while mine is still finding its footing. Despite these feelings, I am genuinely and immensely proud of her achievements, and she understands that deeply. Since we both debuted in our acting careers together and were cast in the romantic roles, our bond has grown into a close friendship. We share not only the thrill of our professional journeys but also the understanding of the challenges and triumphs that accompany our passions.

As the questions continue, I wave over a waiting staff member dressed in all black. "Can you get us some water?" We've been sitting under these hot lights answering questions for the last twenty minutes.

I watch as they disappear behind the stage and then come back with cold water bottles. The condensation is already dripping off them. I let go of Penny's hand to take the bottles from the man and set them down in front of me. As I do this, someone asks, "What's a little habit of Copper's that secretly melts your heart?"

I lift my gaze to meet the eyes of the person making the request, a gentle smile spreading across my face. With a soft, deliberate motion, I unscrew the cap of Penny's water bottle, the faint sound of the plastic twisting breaking the ambient noise around us. As the cool water inside shimmers in the light, I extend my hand, offering the bottle to her with warmth and care.