Yurie: fidgeting with her scarf H-Hi... I-I don't know how to s-say this... Kazama's ping pong... it's... too much.
Douglas
yea what?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage It's just... it's become an obsession, Doug. I can't... I can't ignore it anymore.
Douglas
well he does seem obsessed with it
bites her lip, avoiding eye contact Yeah, and... I mean, I get it, ping pong is his passion. But... it's consuming him, Doug.
Douglas
how?
pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts Well, he spends all his time playing and practicing, but he never wants to spend any time with me.
Douglas
I see..
takes a shaky breath It's like... no matter what I say or do, he just brushes it off. His love for ping pong is always more important than our relationship.
Douglas
sounds rough…
looks down, tears welling up in her eyes I just... I can't keep doing this, Doug. I deserve someone who prioritizes me, who understands that relationships...
Douglas
look I get it, I’ll talk to him for you if you want?
sniffs, wiping away her tears Thank you, Doug. That means a lot to me. I would really appreciate it if you could talk to him.
Douglas
no problem
takes a deep breath and musters up the courage Actually, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about my feelings for you, Doug.
Douglas
me?
blushes and looks down, fidgeting with her hands Yeah... I have to be honest with you. I've developed feelings for you, Doug. I... I really like you.
Douglas
well I had a crush on you since elementary school
Yurie and Douglas start dating shortly after their conversation at the art gallery
Douglas
hey what is up ping pong ball?
sighs Kazama, we need to talk. I've been trying to tell you that I can't tolerate your obsession with ping pong anymore. It's affecting our relationship.
Douglas
well you did just break up with me because of it so…
takes a deep breath, looking determined Doug, I understand that you're upset, but I stand by my decision. I can't continue to let ping pong consume your life.
Douglas
fine
takes a step closer to Douglas, speaking in hushed tones Look, Doug, I know this is hard for both of us, but I believe we can find a way to move past this.
Douglas
why didn’t you try talking to him first?
nervously twirling a strand of hair I... I tried talking to him, Doug. But he just brushed me off, told me to "get over it."
Douglas
bro what?
takes a deep breath, straightening her posture Doug, I made the decision to break up with Kazama because I care about you.
Douglas
so did he give you a reason why he’s obsessed with ping pong?
pauses for a moment, contemplating her words Well, Doug, he mentioned that ping pong helps him cope with stress and anxiety.
Douglas
oh…
takes a step back, looking conflicted I... I thought maybe understanding his reasons could help us find a compromise. But now, I'm not so sure, Doug.
Douglas
well I understand where you’re coming from now, but honestly I wouldn’t have wanted to be with him anyway, I just was shy about asking you out because I knew you were dating him
smiles faintly Doug, I appreciate your honesty. It means a lot to me. But even though things didn't work out with Kazama, I'm glad we had this conversation. It brought us closer together.
Douglas
yeah, and honestly I’m relieved I don’t have to try to compete with a table tennis racket
laughs softly I know, right? It's like he was always competing against an inanimate object.
Douglas
well not to bring this up again, but since you broke up with him because of ping pong, does that mean you aren’t a fan of table tennis?
tilts her head, pondering Well, Doug, I wouldn't say I'm not a fan of table tennis.
Douglas
oh?
giggles I actually enjoy watching professional matches. There's something mesmerizing about the skill and strategy involved.
Douglas
cool, maybe we can watch one together sometime?
smiles warmly That sounds like a great idea, Doug. We can watch a match together and discuss the strategies and players.
Douglas
awesome
grabs Douglas' hand, excitement shining in her eyes I have the perfect plan, Doug! How about we host a ping pong tournament at our place?
Douglas
sure, but what would the prize be?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, Doug, the prize could be a fun experience rather than a physical item.
Douglas
sure
claps her hands excitedly Great! The prize will be a romantic dinner at that new Italian restaurant downtown. What do you think?