Chapter Text
The course of true love never did run smooth.
(Lysander, Act 1 Scene 1, Midsummer Night’s Dream)
“You do it!”
“I don’t want to! You do it!”
“No. You!”
“NO. YOU!”
Jeno’s ears almost bled from hearing Haechan’s and Renjun’s arguing as soon as he entered heaven’s lair. He just came back from another successful match up and was in such a good mood that he refused to ruin it with his colleagues’ loud voices.
“What’s the problem?”
He approached the two and they looked up at him with twinkling eyes, as if they had found their savior (or most probably their scapegoat). Jeno felt an ominous air from their grins.
These two… really… For angels, they sure emit a lot of evil energy .
He’s just joking, of course. Let’s call it the mischievous playfulness of cupids.
“JENO! YOU’RE FINALLY HERE! You see..”
Haechan was ever so enthusiastic to pass the responsibility to him. However, Renjun seemed to have doubts and nudged Haechan’s arm with his elbow to make him stop from spilling the beans, “Haechan, are you sure we should pass it to him? What if he ends up like the others?”
“Eyyy. It’s Jeno we’re talking about. I’m sure he can do it.”
“But-”
“What is it? Just tell me quickly.” Jeno urged while crossing his arms and raising a single eyebrow. He had his usual eye smile but the two felt chills down their spines.
“There’s a human with no assigned cupid yet," Haechan blurted out after much struggle with Renjun who was trying to cover his mouth.
“Okay. I’ll just take that assignment then. I’m free now after finishing my task.” Jeno said nonchalantly.
“Sure!” Haechan wanted to shove the files of the target to Jeno already, but Renjun intercepted his arms, glared at him, and said firmly, “Haechan.”
Haechan scrunched his face, visibly upset and reluctantly added, “We have actually sent a lot of cupids to him already but everyone failed. They have all fallen out of grace and reduced into wandering souls now. The higher-ups had passed the case to high-ranking cupids this time and only us, including you, are free as of the moment. That means one of us will have to handle this human.”
“Then I’ll get him.” Jeno repeated, not being swayed by the additional information he just learned. He swiped the files from Haechan’s hand in a heartbeat, making the two cupids stunned.
“Are you sure? This is an S-class mission. You might be confident because you haven’t failed even once. But if you fail this, you might even disappear.” Renjun reminded him and was genuinely worried.
“The greater the risk, the more the fun,” Jeno winked and disappeared to meet his new target.
[Na Jaemin,
a rising star actor
23 years old
Never been in a relationship
Lives alone
Remarks:
Cold! So cold! He has no heart, I swear!
Is he a robot?
He’s weird.
I give up… ]
Jeno snorted while reading Jaemin’s information with remarks from other cupids who tried finding a match for him. He flipped the paper to look for a second page but found nothing. It seemed they all gave up immediately before even writing any useful information. He sighed and closed the folder. It disappeared into thin air as soon as he let it go.
After reading his target’s information, Jeno leaned on a tree, not too far from the park where a filming site was set up. He fixed his gaze on the back of the man who was sitting on an actor’s chair. The man was listening intently to the instructions being given to him by the director.
Usually, he’d be closer to his target since he couldn’t be seen by humans anyway. But for now, Jeno wanted to observe from a distance, see how his target interacted around his surroundings first and look at the bigger picture.
Na Jaemin… just what made it hard to match you?
The scene they were shooting was the first encounter of the leads. Jaemin was playing the role of a chic city man who fell in love at first sight with a clumsy woman. When the camera started rolling, a cliché scene played right before Jeno’s eyes, one that cupids like him were familiar with. Two people accidentally bumping into each other. Eyes meeting. Sparks flying. Time stopping. Hearts racing. In short, a scene of falling in love.
Jaemin’s acting was brilliant. He could use each part of his body on command — those dilating almond eyes, his low voice shaking as he spoke and his whole body trembling. Any ordinary human would believe he had found the female lead to be the most attractive woman in the world.
Jeno held his breath as he watched the scene unfold, eyes glued to every movement Jaemin made. He was charmed, as if he was under a spell while watching Jaemin until the director shouted, “Cut!”
The magic faded as soon as the lights and the cameras left their focus on Jaemin — his eyes stopped sparkling, his voice was back into a stable low, and his heartbeat slowed into a 60 bpm metronome. He became devoid of emotion, like an empty shell who had never felt love before.
His acting was great, honestly. Jeno felt Jaemin's tremendous effort in trying to present an emotion he never felt before. It could pass in humans’ standards but to a cupid, there was still much to be desired to express that feeling .
It felt as if Jaemin was trying too hard when it should echo more loudly in the tenderness of the touch, in the gentleness of the eyes, and in the subtlety of the body’s gravity shifting towards its love interest. It’s that delicate feeling that would come naturally if he knew love .
His acting could be perfected if only he had experienced that feeling.
Love at first sight.
“What if I make him experience it for real?”
Jeno looked around for a person he could use to act out his scenario, someone who Jaemin hadn’t met yet. Then he saw a woman with mid-length hair in a pencil-cut skirt and blue long sleeves blouse who was walking briskly while holding a cup of coffee. She must be on her way back to work.
Jeno snapped his fingers and, as if on cue, the woman tripped right when she was near Jaemin who was currently on standby for the next scene.
In Jeno’s ingenious little scenario, Jaemin would instinctively catch the girl by the waist, their eyes would meet, hearts would race, time would pass by slowly, and then bam! They would fall in love.
Jeno made a gun gesture with his hand and pointed at the woman's heart then to Jaemin, "Bang! Bang!"
Perfect.
If only that was how it all played out. Everything was all up to Jeno’s calculations and it seemed the girl had fallen in love with Jaemin at first sight too. She even tried to set up another meeting with him using the coffee stain on her skirt as an excuse. But Jaemin was unaffected. He just gave a professional smile, gave her some money for the laundry, asked her to be careful next time then leave and went back to filming.
Jeno couldn’t understand why it wouldn't work on Jaemin. He made sure to choose the perfect girl who could match Jaemin’s beauty. He made the perfect opportunity that could only happen in dramas. Anyone who was in that situation would fall in love right away and think it was fate.
Wait. Hm. What if he liked guys instead?
His next victim was an innocent lad taking a leisurely stroll on his bike. He made another classic trip and fall but that also failed to catch Jaemin’s attention.
Jeno got tired of repeating the love at first sight trope so he went for the enemies to lovers route instead. He decided the method was not important, as long as he could make Jaemin discover that feeling of falling in love. Maybe he could make love bloom between Jaemin and the second male lead actor? He was his rival both in the film and in real life. But setting them up also turned into a disaster, almost making the filming stop when the actor looked at Jaemin with heart eyes instead of glaring at him with disgust for the next scene.
As his final resort, Jeno picked the most practical way, falling in love with someone whom he was already familiar with. None other than the female lead but it still ended in vain. The female lead could barely touch the surface of Jaemin’s heart. Every time she would try to get closer to him, Jaemin was so clever in drawing the line. He made her feel that they were just co-workers, nothing more and nothing less.
Jeno made an exasperated sigh. To have his power work, Jaemin should have even the slightest opening on the door of his heart, a tiniest bit of romantic interest on the other person. But Jaemin’s heart was completely closed, Jeno’s love bullets couldn’t enter his heart at all.
Jeno finally understood what the other cupids meant when they said Jaemin was a robot. Jaemin's heart sure was a tough one to pry open but Jeno was not the top cupid for nothing. His motto had always been, you only fail if you give up .
It was already night and Jeno continued to follow Jaemin from a distance, waiting for that slim chance he’d find a way for Jaemin to open his heart.
Jaemin finished his filming and went for a light jog around his neighborhood. It was a routine for him to stay fit, not missing a day even if his filming ended late. It was commendable how disciplined Jaemin was. Jeno thought he’d never see a crack on Jaemin’s steadfast personality until Jaemin saw a kitten whimpering near the slide of a playground.
Jaemin suddenly ran excitedly towards it and squealed, “Baby~ What happened? Where’s your mother?”
Jeno was surprised at the sudden high-pitched tone coming out from Jaemin.
Jaemin squatted down and patted the kitten with so much care. His eyes twinkled and his smile couldn’t be contained. It looked like Jaemin forgot the world around him and was only focused on playing with the small animal.
In a similar manner, Jeno gazed blankly at Jaemin. He couldn’t believe he was the same cold person he was observing the whole day. He was even more enamored by Jaemin’s expression while he was caressing the small kitten than when he saw him acting. That was the look of someone who was in love. He had a genuine affection for the feeble creature. Even Jeno couldn’t help but smile witnessing that precious scene.
If only he could love someone the same way. That person would be lucky to be loved by him.
Remembering he still had a mission to complete, Jeno managed to take out his note and wrote, He’s cute. He loves kittens. A whole lot.
Maybe this was the key to Jaemin’s heart that he was seeking. He just needed to find someone with the same fondness for animals and could connect with Jaemin’s interest. But with Jaemin’s lifestyle, just work and home, it might prove to be difficult. Especially when Jaemin seemed to hide his real personality at work. If only he had a friend who knew his secret and could introduce a match for him. If only Jaemin could open his heart to someone, even not as a love interest, just someone Jeno could use–
Wait.
Something suddenly clicked in Jeno’s head. He knew Jaemin's secret AND he could find a match for him. What if he’d be that friend instead? If his love bullets wouldn't work then he should go the traditional way. He'd try to get closer to Jaemin using this newfound information then he’d be the link to connect Jaemin with his match.
Perfect.
But first, he should find something to use to get closer to him. Jeno looked around and found the mother cat trying to get down on top of a tree. He snapped his fingers and the cat floated down into his arms.
He materialized himself so he could be seen even by humans. Instead of his all-white suit and tie, he changed into a more comfortable hoodie and jogging pants so he could look more amenable. He also changed his platinum white hair to jet black so he wouldn’t stand out so much. He planned to just be the typical side character who would make the leads meet in love stories.
In his mind, his plan was perfect, except-
“Ah-choo!”
He forgot one thing. He was allergic to animal fur when he’s in this form and sneezed out loud.
When cupids were in human form, they became weak and vulnerable like humans do. They could now feel things that they were not able to feel before. It was one of the disadvantages of being human so they rarely use this method.
“Who’s there?’
Jeno had no time to think and carefully stepped out from the shadows, making sure not to startle Jaemin again.
Their eyes met for the first time and Jeno felt the time pause for a moment. It was different from just observing Jaemin from a distance. Jaemin’s eyes were shining as he looked up at him, as if the moon and the stars got trapped in those two pretty doe eyes. Jaemin’s long eyelashes fluttered as he blinked in surprise. His small mouth was agape and his thick brows furrowed which Jeno found amusing, because even with his startled expression, his harmonious face could put even Venus to shame. (This, he should keep a secret or he might get demoted.) As a cupid, Jeno had keen eyes for the arts and Jaemin was a masterpiece.
“Who are you?” Jaemin asked again, making Jeno snap back to his senses.
“I- I saved this cat on top of the tree. It looks like the kitten you’re holding is its baby.”
Jaemin stood up and went closer to observe the cat, then said in a cheerful voice, “O- Oh! I think you’re right!”
He carefully released the kitten and Jeno also put the cat down to the ground. The mother cat purred and approached her baby then carried it by its nape. Jeno and Jaemin watched silently as the mother cat took her baby away.
“Aww. They’re gone.” Jaemin commented while following them with his eyes.
“A-choo!” As much as Jeno wanted to start a conversation, his sneezing just wouldn’t stop. Maybe he should just call it a day and return to being a cupid. He already made contact with Jaemin anyway. It would be easier to approach Jaemin later when his allergies were not acting up anymore.
But nothing was working as he planned the whole day and not this time either.
“Are you okay?”
Jaemin turned his head to him, looking concerned.
“It’s just an aller-, a-choo!”
“You’re starting to get red rashes around your face. Are you allergic to cats? You shouldn’t have held it so close.”
Jeno felt his cheek get warmer when Jaemin’s hand hovered over his face. He wasn’t sure if it was because of his allergy or blood rushing on his face as Jaemin's face went closer.
“This won’t do. You should take medicine. The pharmacies should be closed at this hour already. I got medicine for allergies in my house. It’s just around here. Follow me, I’ll give you some.”
Jaemin pulled Jeno by the wrist and walked promptly in the direction of his house. Jeno followed Jaemin without much resistance. But his eyes lingered at the hand holding his wrist.
Hm? What is this feeling?
He knew warmth, he had tried holding a freshly baked bread before. He remembered it was that tingling feeling which spread from the bread to the palm of his hands. He didn't think anything of it, just a passing sensation until it was gone. But this warmth was different, it was soft and tender, it tickled, it lingered on his skin and spread throughout his body.
So this was the warmth of a human.
Jeno had been a cupid for as long as he could remember that he didn’t know the warmth of human touch. It was a pleasant feeling.
Jeno didn’t expect Jaemin would readily invite him to his house. Was it the effect of the cats? His allergy must be a blessing in disguise. It wasn’t intended but things were turning out better than expected.
Jaemin made him wait in the living room while he went to look for allergy medicines in the kitchen. It felt a bit weird to be sitting in the middle of the huge house doing nothing. Jeno was reminded again of another disadvantage of being a human, he couldn't just follow Jaemin around. He sat quietly for a while until boredom won him over and he stood up and scanned the place.
The huge portrait of Jaemin in monochrome first caught Jeno’s eyes. He stared at it for a while and came to the conclusion that Jaemin in the flesh was still more beautiful no matter how high the resolution of the picture was. Then his eyes traveled on the movie collection Jaemin had underneath the TV set. The stack had a huge variety of genres from romance, action, comedy and even horror. Jaemin must have used them to study his acting. There was also a huge glass cabinet with a trophy inside. The trophy had Best Rookie Actor Na Jaemin engraved on it. Jeno was about to reach out for the trophy when he heard Jaemin’s voice.
“It feels a little empty, right?”
Jeno flinched, as if he was caught doing something wrong, but Jaemin just smiled at him. He walked towards him and passed him the medicine and a glass of water, “Looks like your allergy didn’t get worse.That’s good but still take this medicine just in case.”
“Thank you.”
He was caught already so Jeno might as well ask, “Why do you have a huge cabinet for a single trophy?”
Jaemin stood beside him and looked at the direction he was pointing at.
“I’m planning to fill it with my awards later on.” Jaemin answered confidently.
Jeno turned his head and witnessing Jaemin’s proud eyes as he gazed at the trophy, he realized there was another thing that Jaemin loved beside the cute animals. With the way his eyes sparkled, like a pirate looking at his treasure, Jaemin must really love acting.
He was again lost in his thoughts, appreciating Jaemin’s face, when Jaemin suddenly turned and met his eyes, “You smell nice.”
Jaemin had that knowing smile, as if he was aware that Jeno had been staring at him. Maybe it was from his experience as an actor but Jaemin was unfazed even with eyes focused on him.
It was Jeno who looked away first, flustered, and smelled his own body, “Do I?”
“It’s sweet and fresh. Like lemon and honeydew. What perfume do you use?”
“I- I don’t use perfume.” Cupids don’t use perfume, after all. Jeno didn’t know he had a scent until now. He was at least relieved to know it didn’t smell bad.
“It must be your pheromones then,” Jaemin said nonchalantly, still with that confident smile, and took a seat on the long sofa.
If Jeno didn’t know better, he’d think Jaemin was flirting with him. But after observing Jaemin the whole day, that must only be a light-hearted compliment to make him feel at ease.
Jeno followed Jaemin to the sofa without much thought. But the moment he sat, he noticed Jaemin’s eyes widened followed by a snicker.
“Hm? Did you just snort at me?” Jeno narrowed his eyes on him, pursing his lips.
“I didn’t? It’s nothing.” Jaemin feigned ignorance and sneakily spread his arm over the back of the sofa.
Jeno pondered Jaemin’s reaction for a while then he realized he sat a little bit too close to him. Jaemin’s arm span reached a little over the other side of his shoulder, completely spanning his body.
Oops.
He forgot he was human now. It was a force of habit from being a cupid to observe their targets in close distance, not minding their personal space.
“Oh.”
Jeno tried to give Jaemin some space but Jaemin stopped him from getting away. He grabbed his shoulder and made Jeno’s body slightly tilt, touching Jaemin’s side.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to be so conscious. I’m not that sensitive about personal space,” Jaemin said with a waggish smile on his face, drumming his fingers on the side of Jeno's arm.
Jeno froze up. He suddenly sat up straight with hands over his knees. He malfunctioned for a brief moment, unsure of what he should do in this awkward situation. They were a bit too close for comfort but he didn’t want to shove Jaemin’s hand away because he might take it the wrong way. He still needed to befriend him.
Jaemin must’ve sensed Jeno was feeling uncomfortable so he carefully removed his arm, “I was joking. Sorry. I thought you were teasing me so I teased back. I think I took it too far.”
He’s playful…a little too playful. I have to be careful. Jeno made a mental note of Jaemin since he couldn’t take out his notes at the moment.
When Jaemin finally removed his hold of Jeno, Jeno quickly moved until the edge of the sofa.
“Ey. You’re making me feel hurt. I feel like I’m some kind of pervert now.”
Jeno felt guilty hearing Jaemin whine. It wasn’t even Jaemin’s fault to begin with so he silently scooted a little closer, decreasing the distance between him and Jaemin.
Jaemin broke into a fit of laughter, “Has anyone told you that you’re like a dog? I didn’t mean it in a bad way, okay? I just think you’re… I mean, it’s cute. Like a puppy.”
Jeno pouted and frowned, “Don’t tease me.”
“Haha, I’ll try.” Jaemin said with a smile, biting his lips out of habit while looking at him.
He’s charming. Jeno added in his mental note. He wondered if Jaemin was doing it consciously because the face he just made was surely fatal. There was one thing he became sure of, he wouldn’t have a problem making people fall for Jaemin.
After the little mishap, Jaemin kept on looking at his face silently. It felt like he was looking deep into his soul so Jeno tried his best to avert his eyes.
“Hmmm. It looks like you’re all better now. The rashes on your face have already faded too.”
“Ah, you’re right.” Jeno said while feeling if there were any lumps left on his face. He was so preoccupied in analyzing Jaemin that he forgot about his allergies.
Maybe this was Jaemin’s cue for him to leave. He should reflect and plan better next time because today was a disaster. He felt like he was only caught in Jaemin’s pace. Jeno stood up and got ready to leave, “Then, I’ll go now. Thank you for the medicine and letting me in.”
“Wait-” Jaemin also stood up and grabbed Jeno’s wrist. He was trying to stop him from leaving when Jaemin’s phone rang.
"Hello?" Jaemin took the call and released Jeno’s hand but his eyes were never leaving him. He gestured for Jeno to stay and wait for a bit while he talked on the phone so Jeno sat back down.
Jeno didn’t know why Jaemin was telling him to stay or the reason why he obeyed right away either. He just did so on impulse. Maybe he was really like a dog just as Jaemin said.
"She got into an accident? Is she okay? I see. That's a relief. How long will she be away? Hm. Tell her to get well soon and take her time to recover. Don't worry about me, I can manage. I'm not even in the house most of the time. Hm. Yes, yes, bye. Thanks for informing me." Jaemin ended the call with a sigh and slumped down on the sofa beside Jeno.
"It's my manager. He said Nanny Seul, my housekeeper, fell down the stairs and wouldn't be able to take care of the house while she's recovering." Jaemin explained.
"Oh…It must be tough. I hope she gets well soon."
“I hope so too,” Jaemin’s smile faded as he stared blankly at his phone. Then he leaned on the sofa, turning his body to face Jeno, “Sorry. I’ve been keeping you here for a while now, right? I just actually wanted to know your name. You were going to leave without telling me and I feel like I wouldn’t ever see you again if I let you go.”
“I’m Jeno. Jeno Lee.”
“Oh. I’m-” Jaemin held out his hand and Jeno readily shook it, “Jaemin Na, right? I read it on the trophy earlier.”
“Yeah. I’m Jaemin.” He smiled then sighed again, “You know, I was really tired today. I think that phone call just sapped all the energy left from my body. Since morning, people kept falling on me, then my co-actors kept making mistakes so filming went on for longer. I don’t even know why I’m telling all these to you.”
Jaemin paused to look at the clock and continued, “Ah. It was already past 12am, that must be why, I’m already sleepy. But it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jeno Lee.”
“Just Jeno is fine. It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”
Jaemin hummed. He started nodding off and was finding it hard to keep his eyes open. His fatigue must be catching up to him, “Sorry. I shouldn’t be acting like this with a visitor in my house—”
Jaemin was losing his fight with sleep and closed his heavy laden eyes.
Jeno looked at Jaemin who was struggling to stay up with pity. He felt guilty hearing Jaemin’s complaints about his day and how tired he was, knowing that he was the cause of most of Jaemin’s trouble. He treated his mission like a challenge and got a little too impatient in getting a reaction from Jaemin. He forgot Jaemin was just a human and might get overwhelmed from everything. He wanted to make up to him somehow and couldn’t just leave him.
“You don’t have a housekeeper now, right?”
“Hm…”
“What if I help you?”
“What do you mean? Do you know someone who can be my housekeeper?”
“Uhm. No… What if I become your housekeeper temporarily? I’ll help tend your house while you’re away.” Jeno said carefully, he wasn’t sure if Jaemin would accept his offer. It was the best deal he could think of for now, he could help Jaemin and they could get closer. Two birds with one stone. He’d understand if he wouldn’t agree though, they just met after all.
Jaemin’s eyes popped open as soon as Jeno made his offer to help. Then he sat up straight and looked Jeno straight in the eyes, “You sure?”
“Yes.”
“No backsies?”
Jeno nodded his head.
Jaemin’s face suddenly lit up and held out his hand for another hand shake. His goofy smile returned and said, “You’re hired! Thank you very much! I’d be in your care. There was nothing much in this house and I wasn't always at home so just a little cleaning will do. Just don’t let the DVDs there collect dust. By the way, can you cook? Nanny Seul was a really good cook, so sad I couldn’t taste her cooking for a while. Should I show you the kitchen—”
It felt as if something flipped on with Jaemin and he gained new strength. He had that same expression when he got excited finding the kitten earlier. He stood up readily to take Jeno on a house tour and Jeno raised both of his hands in an attempt to slow Jaemin down, “Wait. Wait. You’re going to accept my offer just like that?”
“Un. Why? Anything wrong with that?”
“What if I'm a bad guy?"
"Hm. What if I'm the bad guy? You just followed me in my house without any questions," Jaemin smirked.
"That's because…"
I'm a cupid and I know you're not a bad guy.
Of course he wouldn’t just out himself like that, Jeno scrambled inside his head to find a more reasonable excuse, "I don't think anyone who loves animals will be a bad guy."
"Then I could say the same about you."
"Oh."
Jeno was speechless. Why did it sound so convincing? Oh. Right. He was the one who thought of that reason. Jeno should be the one maneuvering Jaemin but why did it feel like he was the one being played like a fiddle instead?
"So? Where are we? Ah! I'd give you generous compensation, don't worry. I don't want to take your kind offer for granted. Should we go to the kitchen now? Or should we go upstairs so you can choose your room–" Jaemin said cheerily.
Jeno stood up too and said, “But I didn't say I'd live here though?"
Jaemin whined, "Aaaahhhng..It would be easier for you if you live here instead of going back and forth. It’s late already too. Actually, you could just sleep here if you want. Or do you have anyone you left back at your home?"
"None." ( I didn’t even have a home to begin with. )
“Do you have another job? Would it hinder your original job? Ah. I forgot to consider that. Maybe, every weekend will do. Hm. But it doesn't matter if you live here or in your house is it? I’m assuming you’re from around here too because you wore comfortable clothes,” Jaemin put his hand on his chin and was seriously contemplating how he could work out Jeno’s schedule.
“I do have another job but it won’t hinder me even if I live here or anything.” ( Being a cupid is my job and being able to stay close to you would be more helpful than a hindrance.)
“It’s settled then!”
Jeno was starting to regret his decision. He’s starting to doubt he could handle Jaemin, especially when he’s this energetic. Just where did the temperate Jaemin go? He didn’t expect Jaemin to react so enthusiastically to his offer. But he did want to be Jaemin’s friend faster so this was a good opportunity.
“I’ll show you to your room first.” Jaemin excitedly ran up to the second floor and gestured for him to follow, “Come on!”
He had that smile again.
Jeno must admit, he loved it every time he saw a glimpse of Jaemin’s genuine smile. It was his favorite out of all of Jaemin's smiles he saw today. It was innocent and pure, too charming, so unarming. He had his doubts but maybe he could hang on if it meant seeing that smile a little longer.
Jeno’s data of Jaemin was a total scam. Whoever said he was weird? He was more than weird, Jaemin was an enigma. He looked really cold from afar but he was warm as the sun on a closer look. Jeno could never predict his next move. He concluded that he should know Jaemin a little more.
It was one long day but his operation to open his heart was a success. Right ?... Right?