I'm so happy I got to play the second half! It had been so long since I played this game (I went to the first page of comments and apparently, mine was made a year ago). I actually forgot what happened/what I had done on each of my save files, so I just decided to restart the first half as well.
I related even more this time playing. I'm in my senior year of high school now (I know, I'm young), and I'm expected to know what I plan to pursue as a career. I was thinking of doing independent illustration but I'm not sure I have what it takes. Most days, I don't even have the motivation to create anything. And it doesn't help that I'm in an art school surrounded by people who have way more technical skill than me. I'm supposed to submit college applications in a month or two and I can't help but wonder if the debt is worth it.
Well, just know that I really enjoyed this game. It really resonated with me. Also, I think I noticed a reference to Defaction while working in the bookstore?