I think you might consider Alai. Alai is Bernard's best friend when they first arrive at Battle School. But Alai and Ender become friends when they work together to figure out null gravity and their suits and weapons in the battleroom. Alai is elected the leader of his and Ender's launch group. When Ender moves up to the armies, Alai whispers "Salaam," or "peace," in Ender's ear and kisses him on the cheek. Ender understands that their young friendship is a secret and sacred expression of Alai's religion. Finally, Alai is one of Ender's squadron leaders during the Third Invasion of the bugger war. Ender has progressed so far that he cannot really be friends with Alai anymore, although they respect one another tremendously.