[ Xenk makes it a point not to be intimidated by novices, but like. He's not completely immune. And he would be lying if there wasn't just something about Kirk's face that made Xenk want to grab his hair and teach him a lesson.

But he wouldn't take advantage of a student like that, for all that Kirk is clearly willing. Well, he wouldn't take advantage because he'd have to ask first. But also Xenk isn't one to do this kind of thing in the open, so there's that too. ]

You score top marks in all of your classes. You are more intelligent and capable than you try to appear to be. And...

[ This time he places a hand on Kirk's shoulder, something almost condescending but also warm. ]

You wish to impress me. Whether this is simply to secure your standing with your professor, or for personal reasons.