Maki's fairly content with being alone in Step 1, so it was a bit hard to get a read on him. Smart is one word, since he knew most of the school material.
Step 2 is a little more open on his end. He still doesn't usually go up to people on his own accord, but he's now known as the kid who has every school supply known to man. Pencil? Ask him. Scissors? Right out the backpack. A can?.. I don't know why you'd need that, but yeah, he was working on an art project yesterday so here you go.
Cassie in Step 1 is everyone's friend. Her energy is hard to keep up with even for a few extroverts, but she's always sweet, so most people are able to accept her as she is.
She doesn't change much in that aspect in Step 2, though she notably has more close friendships than just having every person in her circle. She's pretty much at any social gathering if one of her friends is there.
X (Xander) in Step 1... basically he's the kid who acts out for attention, but when you give it to him, he doesn't know what to do and pushes you away. Most people aren't able to have a positive view on him because of this.
In Step 2, he's less bratty and more just sarcastic. This is where he's seen in a more positive light because now instead of just mean, he's rude with a sense of humor. Accidental humor.