Mr. Takahashi: "Yes, you're right. Even though this topic isn't in your textbook, it is deeply connected to our lives. I think you all will enjoy learning about it."
Kaito raises his hand.
Kaito: "The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, also known as the Frequency Illusion, is when you learn a new word and suddenly start seeing it everywhere. Or, if you think about buying a specific car, you start noticing that exact car all over the road."
Mr. Takahashi: "Good! Very well said. Is there anyone else who can give another example?"
Hinata: "Yes, sir."
Mr. Takahashi: "Go ahead, Hinata."
Hinata: "Has it ever happened to you that you hurt one of your fingers, and then it feels like you keep accidentally hitting that same finger over and over? In reality, it's not happening more often—it's just that our brain becomes hyper-aware. After the first injury, even a slight touch feels like a major impact because we are focused on it."
The teacher continues the lesson for a while and then starts taking attendance. After finishing, he looks concerned.
Mr. Takahashi: "Everyone is present today except for the Class President. Does anyone know why she isn't in class? I tried calling her house, but no one picked up. I think someone needs to visit her home to check on her. Who will go?"
While the teacher was speaking, Hinata and Kaito were whispering to each other.
Kaito: "You won't be able to finish all those sample papers in one night. Let's study them one by one. We can clear each other's doubts."
Hinata: "No."
Kaito: "Hina, come on..."
Mr. Takahashi notices them talking.
Mr. Takahashi: "Ah, Kaito and Hinata! It seems you two are very eager to visit the Class President. Since you're insisting so much, I'll let the two of you go and I'll send you the address"
Kaito and Hinata stare at the teacher in shock.
Mr. Takahashi: "And can you do one more favor? Go to the staff room; there are some books near my desk. Please deliver them to Grade 3, Section A."
Hinata: "Sir, I don't know the way to the staff room. How am I supposed to go?"
Kaito: "Don't worry, I'll take you."
Kaito and Hinata glare at each other before heading toward the staff room.
Kaito: "See? Here's the staff room."
Hinata: "Why are you looking at my face? Go in and get the books from the teacher's desk!"
Just then, someone speaks up: "Hinata? What are you doing here?"
She turns around to see Hakuo and Kojo.
Hinata: "My class teacher asked me to deliver some books to a classroom."
Hakuo: "And who is this boy with you? Is he your classmate?"
Hinata: "Yes."
Kaito: "Suzuki Hanako and Sasaki Kojo..."
Hinata: "Wait, how do you know them?"
Kaito: "First, you tell me—do you know Watanabe Yui?"
Hinata: "No. Who is that? Should I know her?"
Kaito: "She is our Class President! If you don't even know our own Class President, how on earth do you know these seniors?"
Hanako and Kojo speak at the same time:
Hakuo: "She needed a part-time job, so I helped her find one."
Kojo: "And she works at my cafe."
Kaito: "Hinata needing a part-time job? What are you talking about? And Hinata... you told me you were working at the Rambo Cafe and got fired. Why are you working at Kojo's cafe instead?"