I appreciate your replies, and I always appreciate this kind of discussion even if the player does not agree in some things, because it actually helps me with things I overlooked (if you go back a few pages, another player also discussed nicely about the restaurant scene).
On the other hand, I have players complain about MC being too unlikeable at the beginning, and that's also the whole point; he was such an unlikeable person, but he was willing to change because of Nanako.
Here's another route: If you are not friends with Michelle AND Gee (you can trigger this by always talking about work with them in Chapter 1, don't ask about Gee's gf or Michelle's commute), MC will have no choice but to go alone to find Nanako in Chapter 4. However, his boss and the wife will appear at the office, and they will help him (why are they there? They have their own lives going on, in the background). The boss will imply there is no way Nanako will go with Isamu that night, as she is very resourceful, and will find a way to break free if she's desperate enough.
Nanako doesn't care about Isamu feelings, she stresses this a few times. She does it only because of her parents, who are business socialites who care too much about appeasing their associates (such as Isamu's parents).
Nanako's parents want Isamu to be with her. Thus it is implied for the players to put the dots together: when her parents asked her to come to the dinner function, Isamu must have told them he wanted to invite her to a fancy dinner date instead, so they must've agreed, but not knowing Isamu's true intentions.
I also use this situation to show that MC is not an all powerful macho man protagonist; in this situation, he finds himself helpless and useless, a stark contrast to the hero he is at the office.
Extra info for those who care to know:
In my writing, I tend to have characters show things, or imply something, instead of me directly explaining as the narrator. I trust in players' ability to conclude, and want to give them the space to connect the dots together by themselves.
Also, very IMPORTANT: I could say all this and explain my design perspective, but it does not mean I will be able change anyone's different interpretations. And that's totally OK with me! As long as it remains in good spirits. Every new entry is a chance for me to improve and work on my narrative weaknesses.
That's the whole theme: two people being together going through uncomfortable things that make the players don't feel good, initially. Life isn't rainbows and sunshine, and backing up someone you want to be with, against their most difficult problems, is a part of this process. Initially, Nanako obeyed her filial duty to keep her parents' reputation and couldn't seem to fully rebel against it. But the MC helps her with this process, such as protesting her mindset.
On the other hand, I have players complain about MC being too unlikeable at the beginning, and that's also the whole point; he was such an unlikeable person, but he was willing to change because of Nanako.
You get the gist of it, but the real subtleties involved can only be understood through experience. To answer your question, if the public witnessed Nanako in trouble, yes Isamu's family would absolutely be in hot trouble, because the dynamic would've shifted, now they'd be the ones who had to save face from public attention, and thus, Nanako's parents could leverage this.
Here's another route: If you are not friends with Michelle AND Gee (you can trigger this by always talking about work with them in Chapter 1, don't ask about Gee's gf or Michelle's commute), MC will have no choice but to go alone to find Nanako in Chapter 4. However, his boss and the wife will appear at the office, and they will help him (why are they there? They have their own lives going on, in the background). The boss will imply there is no way Nanako will go with Isamu that night, as she is very resourceful, and will find a way to break free if she's desperate enough.
The devils in the details.
Nanako doesn't care about Isamu feelings, she stresses this a few times. She does it only because of her parents, who are business socialites who care too much about appeasing their associates (such as Isamu's parents).
Nanako's parents want Isamu to be with her. Thus it is implied for the players to put the dots together: when her parents asked her to come to the dinner function, Isamu must have told them he wanted to invite her to a fancy dinner date instead, so they must've agreed, but not knowing Isamu's true intentions.
They aren't familiar with the MC yet, and in Chapter 3 Nanako already explains that they are protective of her, and in Chapter 4 they both warned the MC. It's kind of a women thing, when things involve medical checkup they rarely want to bring a guy along, except someone they absolutely trust.
I also use this situation to show that MC is not an all powerful macho man protagonist; in this situation, he finds himself helpless and useless, a stark contrast to the hero he is at the office.
I agree, if I have some space of time to work on this, I will, but not for now. Some players want a wedding scene too, so it is something to consider.
Extra info for those who care to know:
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In my writing, I tend to have characters show things, or imply something, instead of me directly explaining as the narrator. I trust in players' ability to conclude, and want to give them the space to connect the dots together by themselves.
Also, very IMPORTANT: I could say all this and explain my design perspective, but it does not mean I will be able change anyone's different interpretations. And that's totally OK with me! As long as it remains in good spirits. Every new entry is a chance for me to improve and work on my narrative weaknesses.
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