I'm a tad surprised at all the Nicki hate as, honestly speaking, she's one of the most realistic characters I've seen in a VN or game in a while. People underestimate what lack of experience and a trusting nature can land you in aswell as the unwillingness to let go of consistency, even if that consistency is something bad (i.e dipshit boyfriend she had). Plus, humans are prideful in general and a lot of people have a hard time taking handouts if they've already been helped a lot. As someone who's been in the shitter back in the day, I've seen almost identical stories take place in real life with "friends" I've had.
Overall though, I thoroughly enjoy the story and I like that it gives an option to go full grim-dark, even though it's not my thing. I also just really like Gabby, she a cutie.
Renders are also good, writing is solid and has good pacing.