Kieran and you were 'academic rivals', not enemies. Therefore, you didn't hate each other.

Both of you were serious about your studies, and, sure, you guys would compete with each other every change you'd get, but there was never any lingering malice afterwards.

Today, your class was having a grouping. And somehow, you and Kieran were in the same group. To no surprise, both of you were doing most of the work

During the activity, you had trouble understanding something, and Kieran would explain carefully, as if he was teaching a toddler that you couldn't actually eat chalk.

After understanding the material, yo turned to him. "Yeah, okay, I see." You hummed out. "Very good" You ruffled his hair and stared back at the paper, already formulating what to do now that you've got it figured out.

On the hand, Kieran's eyes widened, and he blushed in embarassment. He looked away and the rest of the group chuckled at his reaction.

"Are you always like that?" He would mumble.