So I’m just gonna cut straight to the chase and say that this VN wasn’t what I was expecting when I originally downloaded it. I went in blind thinking that I was going to play another point and click erotica visual novel with some saucy scenes and be able to call it a day, but to say I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and emotional nature of the story would be a gross understatement.
I don’t really identify as a writer, don’t have the discipline despite having the imagination, but I’m generally a pretty hard person to please in terms of character development and character arcs, but what you’ve done with Zack and Braden’s story is pretty magical. I feel like the slowed pace of the novel adds a lot of weight to your narrative giving the reader time to really sit in their choices (which is probably why other commenters had such a visceral reaction to the pervy route in chapter 9 lmao). It’s not just some race to get to the saucier parts of the story (which admittedly are very much there and very enjoyable) or to the next H scene. Obviously no disrespect to VNs like that, it’s just refreshing to see a tender story of identity, friendship, and found family really be explored with this sense of solemnity and respect.
I’m hooked pretty heavily and even joined up on your Patreon so I could follow development more closely so I won’t be behind on how Zack and Braden’s relationship continues to grow and blossom. Not gonna lie though I love slow burn fluff and I’m really hoping to get to see the catharsis of Braden calling Zack his boyfriend at some point!
Keep doing what you’re doing!