...

Add pressed his formulated heart against Eve's, waiting for its reaction. Were they bound to produce chemistry? Or was it just as hopeless?

Chung held his breath, if anyone else was in his shoes, they'd feel the same nervous anxiety. He would've gradually accepted it if Eve belonged to someone else, after years and years, but if it was the Diabolic Esper, he'd refuse it to the bitter end.

It was the same. The exact dimly-lit dazzle from when Chung tested it out with his set.

At this point, Prince Seiker was truly starting to wonder whether this applied to any other male/female out there that has yet to find a match; what if everybody was slightly compatible with Eve? It sounded ridiculously absurd, though if that were the case, the Nasod Queen would be quite loved, despite being the one that desires the affection the least.

However, it wasn't time to draw a conclusion, yet. The main factor were the keys, of course.

The Empress and the Esper pulled out their keys, exchanging their hearts to experiment. With some twisting and turning, neither of them were able to open the other's heart.

'The results are similar to that of the occurrence with Chung...' Eve thought, unable to find a plausible explanation with the little data she had.

"Look, midget. We aren't a pair, happy now?" Add rolled his eyes, actually feeling a bit unsatisfied with the outcome.

"Very. Alright, I'll fulfill my end of the deal now. See ya, and good luck with your project." he casually waved, exiting through the door with his backpack lazily swung over one shoulder. The Prince didn't want to part from the Queen, but he had no choice. It'd seem far too clingy of him otherwise. For him, he was simply being a bit overprotective.

~

Another hour or two passed. The two were also able to make use of their time extremely efficiently, and thanks to their remarkably high IQ levels, the work was extraordinary, prepared to be handed in. The due date was still quite far away, so it was a sweet reward to be able to relax.

"Kukuku... that was a piece of cake." Add smirked, dismissing his conjured screens as Eve was shutting down her database usage and personal computer.

Eve nodded.

He began to depart, as he was already packed up and ready to go. The genius halted midway before exiting the room, for a goodbye. If it was anybody else, he'd leave without a trace, but Add had remembered about how he promised to himself to make it up to Eve somehow, for her codes. The way he'd start was to be slightly kinder, or at least he'd die trying. His response was uttered after a moment of pondering. "Well, you're a rather decent assignment partner. I suppose I wouldn't mind working with you again, hm. Ciao."

"'Decent'? The Nasod Queen would be far higher in terms of value compared to a peasant like you. I am of SSS grading, while you are a mere F." she protested, crossing her arms.

"Heh, is that so? You may be the Queen, but do you think I'd care? Your standing means nothing to me. For your effort and merit today, I'll give you a prize before I leave." Add approached her, patting the top of the Empress' head. It felt awkward to him, but he'd force himself to do so, anyway.

Eve flinched; it was something new, and because of that, it felt uncomfortable at first. "D-Don't touch the Queen!"

He stopped, smiling before turning around once more to vacate.

~

After the Esper left, the Queen was... confused. She had almost regretted telling him to cease with the head-patting, she wanted to experience the smooth touch of his hand on her hair once more. What bewildered her even more was his rare smile. A genuine one, that didn't symbolize any signs of psychopathy, or insanity. It was an exquisite grin of his, and it was also something that the Queen wanted to witness a second time.

Baffled at her own thoughts, she sat on her bed, clutching a certain pink teddy bear tightly in her arms, unsure of what to think.

...