itch.io

whatever's out rn within the game is only a demo so the structure of the storyline is only a section of what it is as a whole in comparison to when the full game releases meaning whatevers happening between the characters (mc and qui/tamarack) is only a glimpse into what it plays out to be, it is only a demo not the full game thats why information and filler is missing. In the game there are ONLY TWO characters you can choose the romance route with as of now meaning the characters you are referencing (qui's group of friends) are not characters you can interact with in the sense of making them romance options. This is technically a romance game but can be played through with the platonic storyline with the two characters but if you are not interested in 1. qui (male - non binary) or 2. tamarack (female) in the romantic sense or the platonic friendship playout then i genuinely dont think this is the game for you as of now and would recommend you dont complain about the character options as the game is not targeted towards you and has a different audience, especially since there are many limited female and male tropes within games.

Just to highlight what the other reply to you mentioned, this game will mainly revolve around you and TWO other main characters, which are Tamarack and Qiu. The main point of this game isn't for it to be a romance visual novel, but to explore how you would react and feel if you grew up together with the both of them, along with all of the other side characters.

I'd recommend you check this game out anyway, but try to view it as though you're living in Golden Grove instead of just trying to get together with a particular character! You will definitely have a much more fulfilling experience. This is why GBPatch's games stand out from the rest of the other visual novel experiences, imo. Their goal isn't to deliver another inane run-of-the-mill rom-com story, but for you to experience growing up in a universe that they painstakingly crafted.

To answer your questions specifically, though:

1. Customisation options are really only limited to you. This includes your pronouns, name, visual appearance and how your room looks. Adjusting relationship dynamics only apply to Qiu and Tamarack.

2. The demo was crafted that way to show an example of how characters will change between the few time-skips that happen in between the main story. Depending on your choices, Tam or Qiu will react to you differently after the time-skip. Eg. you constantly spoke over Tam and constantly brushed her or her comments off. She might appear more reserved, or act more brusquely towards you.

3. Outfit customisation will most probably be limited to the beginning of every Step. This is because characters reference what you chose to wear/if you wore your hair differently/etc. It would be hell for the programmers to account for every state change if they allowed customisation at any point of time in the game.