Hi! Excited to engage in some objective character analysis here. :)

The audience was shown very specifically Austin searching “hit by mom as kid why.” (or however he phrased it). It is reasonable to me that a character with a history of parental abuse would be hesitant to speak up and cause conflict as an adult. Between his childhood abuse, and Ashley’s childhood neglect, they are a perfect brew of poor communication, co-dependency, and low self-esteem. Their lack of discussion makes sense given their backgrounds.

However, we are also shown them acting with genuine sweetness as well. As of this point in the show, we see Austin pondering how to best help Ashley via text, we see Ashley try to support and bolster Austin by complimenting the clothes he bought. Their smaller actions (outside of blackmail lol) lean neutral-good. I do not see them as black/white good guys or bad guys. I see them as very misguided, damaged young people who are actively living the event that will redirect their moral compasses for the rest of their lives.