Created an account just to say that this is the first english-original novel I ever gave more than an 8 on vndb. And I gave it a 10. I've been reading VNs ever since the english translation scene was in its infancy, so I'm extremely well-versed in the many tropes and techniques of storytelling in this medium, but going blind into this story I was still completely blindsided by the last few chunks of the story.
The music and artwork flow perfectly with the story you have set up here. My main gripe with english-originals is that their low budget requirements lead them to looking lackluster and being stuck with the admittedly customizable but recognizably crude renpy engine, but this story averts that extremely effectively, even using it to its own advantage, to avoid spoiling things.
I really hope this game pans out for you and your group because I'm sure as hell going to keep an eye out for you in the future.