itch.io

The itch.io version of the game doesn't come with a steam key iirc. You'll have to purchase the game again but on steam instead if you want to get it there.

No, the Wanderlust Game devs mentioned in a previous community board post that there is no cheating in the game, and also mentions in said post that the "Acknowledging the spark with Vexx" would lead to another plot point. 

Hello there! It would be greatly appreciated if the latest comment to the other person you responded to, which got deleted by the way, isn’t discussed in the community board.

Thank you for your understanding!

I'm guessing that they may have downloaded the game via browser (or not with the big red install button while on the itch app) and supported the game while it was free by giving some additional contributions?? If downloading on browser, a pop-up does show the optional "This game is free but the developer accepts your support by letting you pay what you think is fair for the game." choice, and doing so likely made itch think that you bought the game whether or not it was free, depending on how much was contributed at the time.
That happened to me when I paid for the DLC expansion on A Date With Death when the main game itself is free.

LOL! Apologies for my pfp being a cute distraction. Didn't think that would happen 😂😅

Oh LOL thank you! No I didn't, it's a birthday gift art that a friend drew for me a few years ago (it's Damon and my Damonmancing Traveler).
I credited them on both my Twitter and Bsky, It's by @gloryaOvO.

I know nothing about game coding but, I probably wouldn't recommend using the saveditor on the game. Even though its already far into development with Epi 9's release, best not to cause any possible bug crashes or other issues.

Hi yes, it was free to play up to Episode 8, before 9's release. 
But they explained in their latest monthly public Patreon newsletter about how having a price on it would help them in putting extra work into making the last episode and epilogue in having the best ending that it'll get. 

It's a pretty understandable thing for a lot of Visual Novel games to do as it grows with each new update and features. :)

Awaiting for the day when babygirl's handsome [holy deep] voice gets added into the game, and I melt into a puddle on my bed (o////o)

This DLC is chefkiss wonderful! The art, the story... everything! b(^-^)d Such an enjoyable experience to play... Loads of fun. And Lizzie is a cute bean, OMG LOVE HIM SVM!