Choo comes from an educated family but feels neglected by his busy parents. He meets a friend, Syasya, who influences him to steal to get attention. Choo's stealing is discovered and his parents scold him, believing he is a "bad boy." This fulfills a negative prophecy about himself that Choo internalizes. He continues stealing and is later arrested, learning his criminal history prevents acceptance to a new school despite his efforts to reform. The concepts of social influence, self-verification, and self-fulfilling prophecy are demonstrated through Choo's experiences trying to gain his parents' attention and acceptance.