I hope to update this with further progression of the game's development.

After playing this game nonstop for several days, pursuing both options individually (and at once x3), as well as neither, I think it's safe to say that I'd 100% recommend this to anyone who enjoys a story driven game, with BEAUTIFUL art, intriguing story, and rich in character development--depending on the player's choices.

You CAN play this without pursuing either potential bachelor, but- WHY? Regardless you are not robbed of the main story if you chose to play that way. Your boring, route-less journey won't effect enjoyment of the story. There's a lot of character depth if you interact with the characters. Honestly, it's easy to just avoid most romantic elements while still getting a phenomenal story experience. It;s pretty much up to the player how far anything will go.

--- game info
The battle system is fun too. Not crazy complicated. I've seen some people voice wanting more battle encounters. I'm not fully decided on that. The random battles are sparse enough not to distract much from the story.
You don't have access to potions or a shopkeeper with any (that I know of). So something would need to be added if the random battles are made more common. I had a little trouble grinding for stuff to sell due to lack of potions. I did have fun finding the ones I did though.

I absolutely love how consequential some of your decisions are. The funny thing is that I happened to choose all the right things the first time I played. So when i tried experimenting + rushing during my following playthroughs, I was surprised to discover so many end game results. It's really cool how not all "game overs" are the same. They get more intense the farther you are in the game.

There is one specific spot that it seems EVERYONE gets stuck on.
HINT: make people like you at parties.

I seriously can't wait for the further development of this game. There's so much depth to the characters!!