-----
-----
That videotape was his trump card.
Holding it meant gripping Yukiko by the throat. There was no way he'd just hand it over.
But the show on TV was too good, and he couldn't find anyone suitable to practice with.
Since Yukiko wanted something from him, maybe they could both get what they wanted.
"…"
The line went silent.
Yukiko was torn. She desperately wanted the tape back, but she didn't want to be alone with Steven again. She was afraid that nightmare would repeat itself.
No.
Not "would."
It definitely would.
Even through the phone, she could faintly hear the TV audio. Her cheeks burned instantly.
"I've given you the chance. Whether you take it or not is up to you. Bye."
After waiting with no response, Steven hung up.
He flopped back onto the couch and resumed watching.
As for what choice Yukiko would make, he didn't care.
With the tape in his hands, he could make her kneel whenever he wanted. There was no rush.
Half an hour later.
Ding dong.
Steven, deep in study, heard the doorbell and immediately felt irritated.
"Who is it? Are you serious? Can't a guy watch TV in peace?"
The show was at its best. He really didn't want to miss it, so he pretended not to hear.
Ding dong. Ding dong.
The bell rang again and again. Whoever it was clearly had no patience.
"Damn it, you just won't give up, huh?"
Steven tossed aside the pillow and stomped over to the door.
When he opened it, he froze.
"You?"
Standing outside was none other than Yukiko.
"You said you'd give me a chance. Of course I came to get the tape back."
Her face was stiff, her tone sharp.
It wasn't what she wanted, and her mood showed it.
"Good. At least you know what's good for you. Come in."
"The living room's big enough to use as a practice space. The floor's a bit hard, but I'm sure you won't mind, right?"
As if she had a choice.
Steven had the upper hand. No matter how unhappy she was, Yukiko could only endure it.
"I hope you keep your word. After practice, hand over the tape from the other night."
She glanced at the TV screen, knowing full well this might be her only chance.
When she decided to come, she'd already prepared herself to pay any price to end that nightmare once and for all.
"I may not be a good man, but I'm a man of my word."
"With a professional like you as the female lead, my acting skills are bound to improve fast."
"Get ready. We start in five minutes."
Steven went into the bedroom and quietly took out the camcorder from before, setting it up in a hidden corner while Yukiko wasn't looking.
If you're playing the villain, a little shady behavior comes with the job.
Then, following the TV's plot, the two began practicing the action scenes, striving to nail every movement.
Midway through, Steven even showed off his so-called "bio-enhanced flexibility."
Bigger when he wanted. Longer when he wanted.
Two hours later.
Thanks to Yukiko's full cooperation, they finally finished practicing the entire set of scenes. Both were drenched in sweat, barely able to stand.
Click.
Steven flicked his lighter and lit a cigarette.
He used to think those films were all the same, nothing special. Only after trying it himself did he realize how much effort went into every detail.
"As agreed, you should hand over the tape now," Yukiko said, catching her breath as she stared straight at him.
She'd given too much not to walk away with it.
"No problem."
Steven went into the bedroom, found the original tape from the other night, and tossed it to her.
"At least you've got some decency. The nightmare is finally over."
After confirming it was the right tape, Yukiko let out a long sigh, straightened herself up, and turned to leave.
She didn't want to stay here one second longer.
"Tsk tsk. I really am a business genius. Trading a low-quality tape for a high-definition action film, starring Ms. Yukiko herself. That's one hell of a deal."
Steven walked to the corner, picked up the camcorder, and admired it with satisfaction.
Honestly, he thought he looked pretty good on camera. Standing next to Yukiko, he didn't lose out at all.
"You despicable, lying bastard."
Yukiko's whole body trembled. She wanted nothing more than to tear his skin off.
She'd thought it was finally over, only to realize it was the beginning of a new nightmare.
"Watch your language. I could sue you for slander," Steven said casually, waving the camcorder.
"The deal was that I'd give you the tape from the other night. I never said I couldn't make a new one as a souvenir. Today's recording wasn't part of the agreement. If you want that one too, we can schedule another session."
Shameless.
Yukiko bit her lip, feeling like she'd been played for a fool.
He'd promised to return the tape after practice, then immediately recorded another one. Everything was back to square one.
"You bastard. You tricked me for nothing. You're shameless, you don't deserve to live. I'll kill you!"
After a brief silence, Yukiko finally snapped and lunged at him in fury.
Smack.
Steven watched her lose control and slapped her hard, sending her spinning in place before she collapsed onto the floor.
"Where does all that confidence come from, thinking you can fight me to the death? Ridiculous."
"In my eyes, you're nothing but a pet."
"Bark. You hear me?"
Fury without power is useless.
Steven planted one foot on Yukiko's face, not the slightest hint of mercy in his expression.
A pet needed proper training.
A dog that bites its owner isn't a good dog.
"No. If you've got the guts, just kill me!"
Yukiko struggled, stubbornly refusing to bow her head.
"Nice suggestion, but I'm not taking it."
"Killing you now would be such a waste. Where would I find another female lead as professional and as pretty as you?"
Steven was angry, but killing Yukiko had never crossed his mind.
Train her a bit and she'd still be useful. No need to waste a good resource.
"You filthy pervert, disgusting creep. Pah!"
Yukiko glared at him, absolutely refusing to bark like a dog.
"Got some backbone. Not bad."
"You've already seen my ability to grow and shrink at will. Now let's see what your limit is."
Steven yanked Yukiko up and tossed her onto the sofa, once again showing off the power of his bio-modified body.
He wanted to see which was tougher: Yukiko's stubborn mouth, or his strength.
"Stop, please stop! I'm going to burst!"
Yukiko felt her body reaching its limit, on the verge of tearing apart.
Death wasn't scary, but dying like this? If word got out, her image as a pure and innocent girl would be completely ruined.
"If you want me to stop, that's not impossible. Bark twice first."
Steven forced her toward submission, increasing the pressure as he spoke.
"....."