I totally agree. I had my doubts about this moment too, but I'm glad nothing felt forced. I dislike polyamory in games, especially when it’s so blatant in the writing that it feels like it's being pushed on you. However, it turned out much better and more well-thought-out, because the author made sure that refusing poly had actual consequences. It wasn't just a simple choice between accepting or declining that kind of relationship; that choice mattered until the very end of the game.
Many authors who offer poly options fail to realize that while it's normal for polyamorous people, monogamous individuals think and feel completely differently. Even if a poly person tells a monogamous partner they’ll stay exclusive, the monogamous person might still have doubts. They might constantly fear being cheated on or betrayed, struggling with persistent jealousy and insecurity.
Many people say things like 'you need to understand how poly relationships work' and 'everyone has to consent,' but that only applies if all participants are polyamorous or agree to an open relationship. However, if a monogamous person decides to be with someone poly and wants exclusivity, their fears and insecurities don't just disappear, regardless of any 'agreements'.
For this reason, I’m so glad the author kept hinting at the MC’s jealousy, fear, and insecurity until the very end. It was very realistic in the sense that the protagonist wasn't sure about the seriousness of Ulrich’s intentions, since it was perfectly normal for him to pursue two people at once. These kinds of moments are extremely rare in IF games, which definitely makes this one stand out.