as the group continued to brainstorm, their conversation grew more animated.

"how about we plan a game night?" suggested jonathan. "something where they have to pair up for activities."

"yeah, like charades or pictionary," evie added. "that way, they can team up and have fun together."

"maybe we can even have a small bonfire at the beach," kaya suggested. "it would be a nice, relaxed atmosphere."

"perfect," sam agreed. "and we'll make sure to set it up so they're paired together as much as possible."

"we'll just need to keep madison distracted," grace pointed out. "she can't ruin this for them."

"leave that to us," jax said, grinning. "we'll figure something out."

with the plan taking shape, they felt more confident about helping their friends. they wrapped up their meeting, ready to put their ideas into action.

briar's pov.

briar was walking down the hallway, lost in thought about the day's classes and the latest drama at school. she didn't notice someone approaching her until she was suddenly grabbed and pulled into an empty corner. startled, she looked up to see austin standing in front of her, his expression intense.

"austin, what are you doing?" briar asked, trying to mask her surprise. "why did you pull me aside like this?"

austin took a deep breath, clearly struggling to find the right words. "i... i needed to talk to you. alone."

briar raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain her composure. "with madison around? you know she's still into you. this could cause more problems."

austin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "i know. but i don't care about madison, i care about you" he started walking back and forth, briar stood there looking at him, before sighing.

"you know what fine, i know you've been waiting for my answer and here is it. i can't believe i fell for you, austin ramirez" she scoffed but her words were real, real than the reality.

as she continued to confessed that she also has feelings for him, austin decided to speak up.

"aha, i knew it. you want a piece of me" he smirked confidently, before austin could boast once more briar interrupted "don't make me change my mind and reject you, ramirez" she rolled her eyes.

"so... what happens now?" austin asked, looking a bit uncertain.

"are we officially boyfriend and girlfriend?" briar replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "because if we are, can i kiss you?" he leaned in closer to her, his intentions clear.

but just as he was about to close the gap, briar gently placed her index finger on his lips, stopping him. "whoa there, loverboy. let's take things slow," she said with a teasing grin.

austin chuckled, taking a step back. "sorry, i got ahead of myself. guess i'm just excited."

briar laughed softly, "i get it, but let's enjoy the moment. no need to rush things."

austin nodded, still smiling. "you're right. i don't want to mess this up."

briar's eyes softened as she looked at him. "we've got time, austin. let's make sure we do this right."

he took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "i'm really glad we're giving this a shot. i've wanted to tell you how i feel for so long."

briar squeezed his hand back, feeling a warmth spread through her. "i'm glad too. we just have to navigate this whole madison situation carefully."

austin sighed, "yeah, she's definitely going to be a problem. but we can handle it together, right?"

briar nodded confidently. "together." she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, a promise of more to come but a reminder that they were taking their time.

austin's expression shifted as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "what was that?" he asked, slightly bewildered.

briar tilted her head, a playful smile on her lips. "a peck on the cheek, austin."

"princess, i know what a peck on the cheek is," he said, still blushing. "but i was really hoping it would be here," he pointed to his lips, "not here," he pointed to his cheek.

briar let out an exasperated laugh, rolling her eyes playfully. "oh my god, you've got to be kidding me, austin." she chuckled, shaking her head. "you're really something, you know that?"

austin grinned, his playful nature shining through. "maybe, but that's part of my charm, right?"

briar laughed again, this time softer, her eyes sparkling,. "well, you're just going to have to be patient, loverboy. good things come to those who wait." she said, leaning in slightly closer than earlier.

austin sighed dramatically, but there was a twinkle in his eye. "fine, i'll be patient. but just so you know, i'm not giving up on that kiss."

briar smirked. "we'll see about that" briar then walked away, leaving austin standing there, smirking as he watched her.