I'm free from college permanently and I was in a haze because it's been so long since I last did any of my hobbies but I remember your announcement about this demo and just HAD to try it.
And oh my god is it so good! I can really see not only did the art get better (especially for the character sprite as Cole has a lot more detail and well-proportioned... or is it because he's quite deliciously buffed-- EHEM) but also the writing really improved! I know that Sage must have helped with the writing and I love how subtle the pushiness and the way Cole was written.
He really did have that subtle yandere vibes to him but you really can't tell when he begins talking because it sounds so chill and laidback, like a go with the flow kind of dude. But I really liked how his possessiveness became apparent when it came to a cute ice cream shop lol. Like, the simplest things he has to guard with his life, so what if it's something important to him?
I also love the divertion at the beginning with That Guy, I thought for sure he would be the yandere given his overt yandere and obsessive behavior (and the butcher knife charm, really subtle) so I am extremely curious if That Guy will be Cole's rival/antagonist since there's only 1 love interest and Cole is guarding that role.
What I also find interesting is the music, the song playing at the title screen is really sweet and catchy, but there was that brief moment of it going off-key and changing the atmosphere of the music for one brief moment before quickly fixing it. I find that it matches well with Cole, because when MC noted Cole's weird reaction he's quick to himbo his way out of it. It doesn't help he got them innocent charming looks because jesus did I look at Cole with all those choices.
Overall, I loveeee the demo. It has a really strong start with the storytelling but also with how many choices they were to derail everything lol. I'm wondering if the subtle horror in the demo will continue to build on one another until MC is trapped in that slow realization or if it's just that one moment of violence that snaps the "calm" narrative we have. Looking forward to any updates about Cole and his story! Also love the ice cream attendant's bg art. It's way too cute!!!