As the school buzzed with the excitement of prom and graduation preparations, Briar dashed down the hallway, her backpack slung over one shoulder, dodging students in her path. She was running late, as usual, and had a dozen things on her mind—final exams, prom plans, and, of course, the upcoming graduation ceremony. The halls were decorated with banners and balloons, signs of the celebrations to come, and students seemed to be everywhere, chatting, laughing, and planning.

In her rush, she rounded a corner a little too quickly and collided with someone, sending both of them stumbling. Briar managed to steady herself but saw that the person she'd bumped into hadn't been so lucky—the girl was holding a large, precariously stacked box, which was now tipping dangerously to one side.

"Oh, my god! I'm so sorry!" Briar exclaimed, reaching out just in time to catch the toppling box. She looked up and recognized the girl as Alisha Harris from her chemistry class. Alisha was the quiet, artistic type, always sitting in the back and often seen doodling in her notebook. Today, she was carrying a box full of craft materials, ribbons, paint cans, and what looked like a whole collection of prom decorations.

Alisha blinked in surprise, clearly a little rattled. "Oh, hey, Briar. It's okay! I probably should've watched where I was going, too."

Briar chuckled, repositioning the box in her hands. "Looks like you've got your hands full with prom prep, huh?"

Alisha nodded, looking a bit shy. "Yeah, I volunteered to help with the decorations. It's... a lot more work than I thought."

Briar glanced at the stack of items, noticing just how much Alisha was trying to carry by herself. "Well, let me help you. I don't mind. I know my way to the gym, and two pairs of hands are better than one, right?"

Alisha hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting from Briar to the box. She seemed unsure, probably not used to accepting help from someone she didn't know all that well. "Are you sure? I don't want to slow you down or anything."

"Hey, we're both in this school circus together," Briar said with a grin. "Besides, I could use the break from stressing over exams and all that. Helping with some decorations might be a nice change of pace."

After a brief pause, Alisha's face softened, and she nodded. "Okay, thanks. I could use the help."

Together, they began walking down the hallway, balancing the box between them as they made their way to the gym where the prom decorations were being set up. Along the way, they found themselves easing into conversation.

"So, you volunteered for prom decor?" Briar asked, curious. "I didn't know you were into that kind of stuff."

Alisha shrugged, glancing down shyly. "Yeah, well, I'm usually not one for big events, but... I love art and design. I thought it might be fun to, you know, help create something special. I guess I just wanted to contribute to something memorable before graduation."

Briar nodded, understanding. "I get it. It's a chance to leave a mark, right? Something people will remember when they think back on senior year."

Alisha smiled softly. "Yeah, exactly. Plus, it's been... kinda nice to work on something that isn't just schoolwork. I get to be creative, even if no one really notices. It feels good."

Briar raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh, trust me, people will notice. Prom is a big deal, and from the looks of everything you've got here, it's gonna look amazing."

Alisha chuckled, clearly flattered. "Thanks. I mean, it's not just me. There's a whole team working on it, but... I've definitely put a lot into it."

As they reached the gym doors, Briar pushed one open with her hip, letting Alisha lead the way in. Inside, the place was a hive of activity. A few other students were busy stringing up lights and setting up tables. The smell of fresh paint lingered in the air, and half-finished decorations lay strewn across the floor.

Briar set the box down on a nearby table, taking in the scene. "Wow, you guys are really transforming this place."

Alisha smiled, looking a little proud. "Yeah, it's starting to come together. Still a lot to do, though."

Briar looked around, admiring the hard work. "Well, if you need extra hands for anything else, I'm happy to help. I wasn't originally planning on getting too involved, but... this actually seems kinda fun."

Alisha's eyes lit up. "Really? That would be amazing. We could always use more help, especially with the details. It's hard to get everything just right."

Just then, one of the other students on the decorating team called out for Alisha, asking for her opinion on a set of floral centerpieces. Alisha turned back to Briar with a grateful smile. "Thanks again for helping me out. And, you know, for offering to help with the decor. It means a lot."

Briar waved it off casually. "Hey, anytime. Besides, if I'm going to prom, I want it to look as awesome as possible, right?"

With a final smile, Alisha joined the rest of the team, leaving Briar standing there feeling a little more connected, like she'd gained an unexpected friend in this whirlwind of senior year chaos.

𓇼𖦹

As Briar made her way back through the bustling school hallways, her mind drifted over her unexpected conversation with Alisha, feeling a warm sense of accomplishment. She hadn't realized helping with prom decor would feel this rewarding. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the familiar footsteps trailing quietly behind her.

Austin, who had finished his class earlier than expected, spotted Briar down the hallway and couldn't resist the idea of surprising her. A grin spread across his face as he fell into step a few paces behind, watching her with that familiar warmth in his eyes. The sight of her, completely oblivious to his presence, brought a spark of mischief. He couldn't wait to see her reaction.

As she passed by a quieter section of lockers, he seized the perfect moment. Without warning, he slipped up behind her and launched a playful tickle attack. Briar jumped, letting out a shriek of laughter as she tried to escape his relentless pokes.

"Austin! Are you insane?" she gasped between laughs, wriggling out of his grasp, her cheeks flushed from the surprise and laughter.

"Loco?" he replied with a smirk, pulling her closer with a light squeeze. "Yeah, definitely—only for you."

Briar rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, still trying to catch her breath.

He gave her a soft smile, reaching into his backpack as his expression turned just a little bit shy. "Actually, I have something for you."

Briar's eyebrows shot up, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Is this part of your 'loco' surprise?"

"Maybe," he grinned, pulling out a small box, wrapped simply but with care. He handed it to her, his eyes warm and hopeful as he watched her reaction.

She took the box, her heart skipping a beat as she opened it to find a delicate bracelet inside. The charm was small but beautiful—a tiny rose, her favorite flower.

"Austin..." she whispered, momentarily speechless. She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "This is... for prom?"

He nodded, his cheeks tinged with a light blush. "Yeah. I know it's not much, but I thought it could be a little reminder, you know? That... well, that I want you to have a night as special as you deserve."

Briar slipped the bracelet on, admiring the way it sparkled under the hallway lights. She could feel the genuine affection and thoughtfulness behind the gesture, and it made her heart swell. Looking back at him, she grinned, a playful spark returning to her gaze.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you, Austin?"

He shrugged, leaning in just a little closer. "Only when it comes to you, Briar."

She laughed softly, feeling a rush of warmth that only Austin could bring.

𓇼𖦹

After the final bell rang, Austin and his friends—Sam, Jax, Colton, Jonathan, Aaron, and Jasper—made their way over to the ice cream shop down the street. It was their usual post-school hangout spot, but today, the vibe was buzzing with a mix of anticipation and nerves. Prom was coming up, and the boys knew they couldn't avoid the topic any longer.

They grabbed a booth in the corner and ordered a round of their favorite flavors: Rocky Road for Austin, mint chocolate chip for Jax (which he insisted made him "unique"), and a ridiculous triple-scoop strawberry sundae for Colton, who was already complaining about how many calories he'd have to "work off later."

"So," Sam began, leaning back in his seat with a smirk, "who here is still dateless? Go on, raise your hands. No shame."

There was an awkward silence as a few hands half-raised, then quickly retreated. Jasper, who was already spoon-deep in his double chocolate chunk, grinned. "Well, don't all of you speak at once. We're all big, tough guys, right? Can't be scared of asking someone to prom."

Aaron sighed dramatically, stirring his vanilla cone. "Easy for you to say, Jasper. Aren't you going with Heather? I heard she already posted a prom 'yes' on her Insta."

Jonathan snorted, leaning forward. "I saw that too. Not sure who she was posting it for, considering Jasper's the only one in her followers list."

"Hey!" Jasper protested, putting his hands up. "It's called being exclusive. I like keeping it low-key." He shot them a smug grin, clearly enjoying the attention.

Jax rolled his eyes, setting his spoon down. "Well, while Mr. 'Low-Key' over here has his date all set, some of us haven't exactly gotten around to it." He nudged Austin with his elbow. "What about you, Mr. Romantic? Did you ask Briar yet, or are you just planning on, I don't know, 'accidentally' bumping into her at prom?"

The table burst out in laughter as Austin shrugged, trying to play it cool. "For your information, Briar's my date. We're all set."

Colton whistled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, Austin's off the hook. Look at him, all grown up."

"Yeah, yeah," Austin said, rolling his eyes with a grin. "How about you, Colton? Heard you were planning on asking Lexi, right?"

Colton blushed instantly, his spoon clattering onto the table. "Well, yeah... I mean, I was gonna. I think she's, uh, waiting for the 'right moment.'"

Sam scoffed. "Right moment? Translation: you haven't actually asked her yet, have you?"

Colton mumbled something under his breath, which only made the table laugh harder. "Come on, Colton!" Jonathan said, smirking. "Just go up to her and say, 'Hey, wanna go to prom with me, or should I book a reservation for one?'"

Aaron clapped his hands together, grinning. "Exactly! And if she says no, you just casually say you're already planning on sitting by the chocolate fountain."

Just then, their ice cream arrived, giving everyone a moment to catch their breath. They dug in, but the laughter didn't stop, as Colton finally admitted, "Fine, fine. I'll ask her. If it's that easy for you guys, then you should come with me for moral support!"

"Deal," Sam said immediately. "But only if you promise to get her an extra-large corsage. It's the classic 'go big or go home' move."

Colton just groaned, burying his face in his sundae while everyone else erupted into laughter.

𓇼𖦹

The boys were still in high spirits, their laughter echoing through the ice cream shop as they continued ribbing Colton about his "plans" to ask Lexi.

Jonathan leaned forward, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Alright, alright, if Colton's bringing us as his personal cheerleading squad, who's next? Sam, you got anyone in mind?"

Sam shrugged, nonchalant, as he licked his mint chocolate cone. "I was thinking about just rolling up solo. Keeps the night flexible, y'know? Gotta keep my options open for all the ladies who realize their dates are lame halfway through the night."

Jasper snorted. "Yeah, because nothing screams 'reliable prom king' like ditching your date before dessert's served."

Austin grinned, leaning back in his seat. "Sounds like a plan, Sam. You can dance with the teachers since they're usually the only ones left without a partner."

The table burst into laughter again, and Sam just smirked, unbothered. "Hey, don't knock it. You guys are just jealous that I'm available for last-minute rescues."

Jax, who had been stirring his melting ice cream absentmindedly, looked up with a thoughtful expression. "Actually, I was thinking about asking Kara. We have history class together, and she's always letting me borrow her notes."

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "You're gonna ask her because she lets you copy her notes?"

"Well, it's a good foundation for a relationship," Jax replied with a straight face. "Mutual academic support."

Aaron smirked, patting Jax on the back. "That's the spirit, Jax. Nothing says romance like reviewing Civil War timelines together."

Austin laughed, shaking his head. "You guys are hopeless."

Aaron looked over at Austin, a mock-serious expression on his face. "Alright, Mr. Prom Expert, since you and Briar are already set, what's the plan for the big night? Fancy dinner, romantic gesture, or are you just winging it?"

Austin tried to keep his cool, but the tips of his ears went a little pink. "I've got a few ideas. But you guys would ruin it by making it sound way cheesier than it actually is."

"Us?" Colton said, feigning innocence. "We would never."

"Yeah," Jonathan added, grinning. "We'll just follow you guys around from a safe distance. You know, keep tabs, offer advice if needed."

Austin rolled his eyes, smirking. "Not a chance. If I see any of you within a hundred feet of me on prom night, I'm dragging you to the slow-dance floor myself."

Sam nearly choked on his ice cream from laughing so hard. "Oh, please! Watching Colton slow dance with Jonathan would make my night."

Colton gave him a flat look. "You just worry about staying solo, Sam."

Jasper leaned back, a glint of mischief in his eye. "Honestly, guys, as much as we're all joking around... we've got to make this prom memorable. It's our last one."

The table fell into a brief silence, the reality of graduation looming just around the corner.

"You're right," Austin said after a moment, breaking the thoughtful silence. "But first, we actually need to make sure you all have dates."

Colton rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "Alright, fine. I'll ask Lexi. Tomorrow. First thing."

"And I'll talk to Kara," Jax added, half-reluctantly.

Sam grinned, leaning back in his chair. "And I'll keep my options open, because I know half the people in our class are gonna need a dance partner once they see me in a tux."

Austin raised his cup. "To prom, dates or no dates, let's make it a night we won't forget."

The rest of the boys lifted their cups and cones, their cheers blending with laughter as they toasted to an unforgettable night.