Why did Alai kiss Ender?

Why did Alai, a character in the novel Ender's Game, choose to kiss Ender? Was it a moment of romantic affection, or did it serve a deeper purpose within the story's narrative? Was it a sign of camaraderie or trust, or did it have something to do with Ender's unique abilities and position within the Battle School? As a reader, it's natural to wonder about the motivations behind such an intimate gesture, and to try and understand the complexities of the relationships that exist within the novel's world.