interest and love can be in different categories as well as the same
in this point, as they are elementary children id say its more of an interest as in she's curious about him
and they're two simple-minded innocent bimbos, what do you expect them to do?
and who dates when they're 11? the guys haven't even experienced puberty!
and I have to say I love the fact the author made them two innocent simple-minded grade-schoolers as the main characters
it's refreshing in a way