Hi, nope the VN is not dead just take some time to revamp everything.
Basiclly i took critic and feedback and rework the Prolouge and chapter 1. So a fresh and better start.
It will have some rework sprite, BG finally that are finished. I have a programmer means, the mobile version is getting fix and much more. Original Sountrack etc.
This time is going to be polish. I think after everything is set up, the release between prolouge and Chapter 1 will be shorter considering that Chapter 1 is more then 60% done with editing.
As for your question, it something i guess between sfw and nsfw. Romance yes, the mc will have a partner. So it will not route like but linar.
If you have other question you can always ask me.