Making of an Idol (4): The Charm

Cherry was watering the plants in her shop when the bell on the entrance rang up. She turned around to see her company's Secretary, Jang Kahi entering through the door. 

Kahi was a strict looking girl in her late twenties with short cropped hair and large round glasses on her jet black eyes. She had been working with Cherry for the past seven years and is also one of her close confidantes. Kahi was also aware of her boss' secret ever since the latter had helped her out of a sticky situation many years ago. 

"Madam Wang," she said, bowing down. "I am here to hand over some important documents." 

"I don't want to go through them," Cherry yawned. "Read them out loud for me." 

Kahi sighed and began to narrate her the details of the papers. Cherry was uninterested in all of them and rejected every proposal. 

Finally, they had only one document left. 

"This one is from Rogue Culture," Kahi said. "Their General Manager, Shun Sekjong, sent it to us."

"What does it say?" 

"They are proposing for an investment opportunity," Kahi explained. "They are the fastest growing entertainment company and have already signed up many notable celebrities. Furthermore, they will be hosting a reality show where their contestants will be put through various rounds in order to make it to the final stage. First position winner will get the chance of a solo debut while the next four runner ups will get a group debut."

"What are they offering us?" Cherry asked. 

"They're requesting us to sponsor their program," Kahi replied. "The contestants will be using our cosmetics all throughout the show. Also, if Cherry Pie invests into the company as shareholders, then we will own three percent shares and any famous artist of the company will become our brand ambassador." 

Cherry thought about the deal. She knew very well who owned this company. After all, his despicable face was published in all the newspapers. But even if they were not on talking terms she still has to ensure he ends up with his soul mate. 

She considered the possibilities. He knew about her powers very well, so it will be impossible to manipulate him. She can let the fates make them come face to face themselves but there was no guarantee they would end up together without her push.

On the other hand, accepting this offer meant that she will have to see him on a regular basis. The latter prospect greatly irritated her. 

"Put it on hold," she finally said. "I'll make a decision on this later."

"Very well," Kahi said. "Will you be coming to the office tonight, madam?" 

"Not tonight," Cherry replied. "But send me the details of this proposal to my home. I will review them." 

"If you want, you can also watch the first episode of the show tonight," Kahi suggested. "It will air at eight o'clock. KSS channel." 

"Alright," Cherry noted. "Anything else?" 

"There is one request." 

Kahi rummaged her bag to take out an envelope. It was labeled as 'Confidential'. 

"Ahh it's that woman again?" Cherry frowned. She took the envelope and tore it open. Inside, was a blank yellow paper. 

"Madam, why doesn't she come here herself?" Kahi asked curiously. "She has been sending this paper for so many years. And you've been making charms for her without any questions. Do you know her?" 

"Nope," Cherry replied, as she drew symbols on it. "Not a clue." 

"Then why are you making these?" 

"She sends me money with it," Cherry said. "And since she asks for good luck charms, I don't think too much into it." 

"Actually Madam, the request is a little different," Kahi said. The envelope had arrived in her mail that morning along with a note. She took out the note and gave it to Cherry. 

Cherry opened the paper and read it carefully. 

"Protection charm?" she frowned. "Why did this woman change her request all of a sudden?" 

"No idea," Kahi shrugged. 

Cherry thought hard. For the past twenty years, she had been receiving this request from an anonymous woman. On the first year, the package had a note. The woman wanted Cherry to make a good luck charm for someone. After making it, Cherry dropped it off on a park's bench from where the woman collected it later. Since the woman sent her money, Cherry never gave it much thought. 

But the woman sent the package again the following year. This time as well, Cherry kept the charm on the park bench. The pattern continued for the past twenty years. She was never curious about this deal. 

So what changed? Why was she suddenly asking for a protective charm? 

"Should we investigate?" Kahi asked. 

"No," Cherry shook her head. "Let us heed to this request. If this woman wants it to be a secret, then let's not bother her. If she needs help, then she'll come to us herself." 

Kahi bowed. "Yes madam." 

Cherry finished writing the spells and handed it to Kahi. "Deliver it well," she instructed. "Tomorrow is the fifth. She will need it tonight." 

Kahi took the charm and exited the shop. Cherry sat on a chair, leaning back. For the first time in years, she was curious about this person. Why was she discreetly having good luck charms made? And why did she suddenly ask for a protection charm? 

"Too much work!" Cherry complained. She looked outside. The sun was setting. Her hands began to shake and the rough skin was turning smoother. Her white hair was returning to its red texture while her face de-aged. 

She looked at herself in the mirror. Her original body was back. 

"I think I'll rest today," she said out loud. She turned off the lights and disapparated into the air. 

…. 

Cherry was munching on chocolate bars as she lay on the sofa, flicking through the channels. None of her favorite dramas were airing. All the channels were showing boring awards shows or music performances. 

"Ugh I wanna see Jong Suk oppa's drama!" she whined. "Aish!" 

She kept on changing the channels until a familiar face popped up on it. That annoying smile of his face almost made her barf. 

"Oh yeah," she winced. "That reality show is airing now."

She checked the clock on her living room's wall. It was 8:55 PM, so the show was near its end. 

Jinhyun was sitting with two other people on a judge's panel, looking intently at the stage before them. The camera panned onto the host. 

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host roared. "We have already announced nineteen out of the lucky twenty contestants who have been selected for this survival show!" 

The audience cheered hard and hooted. The cameraman zoomed towards the contestant. There was another familiar face standing there. 

"Kang Semin?" 

Cherry smiled a little. The girl was finally reaching her dreams. 

"And now, for the final contestant," the host said. The audience fell silent. They were holding their breaths. Who would be the lucky one? 

Cherry took the last bite out of her chocolate and got up to discard it in a bin nearby. 

"And the lucky one is…" the host said as a dramatic drumroll played in the background. "Please put your hands together for Sung Yoona!" 

Cherry turned her neck so sharply that she almost snapped it. 

Emerging from the foggy mist of gas, was a slim figure. She walked onto the stage elegantly, as if she was born for it. Her face was of a pure angel, mesmerizing the audience. The innocent aura she carried mixed with the shy demeanor attracted them towards her as she came to view. 

Cherry was frozen to her spot. Was fate really playing a sadistic game? 

"Maybe these two are really a match made in heaven," Cherry commented, with disgust apparent on her face. "Even in this birth, Wang Shuri is fated to be with that guy."