Available content: Prologue + Chapter 1 (around 98k words)
Last story update: April 8, 2026
Four years ago, you were a researcher for a rather large lab. Four years ago, you had kind coworkers you could call your friends, and a backlog of work that you were proud of. That all changed when a fire was set in your wing, destroying your lifeβs work and changing everything in an instant.
Not much is known about the incident besides its impact. At first, it was played off as an accident, but after you receive a strange call from a company named βFLOSβ, you quickly discover that something else is afoot.
In this company, you learn there are people just like youβpeople with unsolved mysteries who have nowhere else to turn. Only question is: Will you be able to work with them and uncover the truth behind these cases, or will you end up stuck in the dark for good?
Features:
β Customize your MCβsβ¦
Name
Pronouns
Gender
Nickname
Appearance
Personality
β Engage in a workplace romance! As of now, there are 6 ROs (3 gender-selectable, 1 masc, 1 fem, and 1 NB) and around 2 planned side-ROs.
β Catch a criminal. Or maybe, if you play your cards right, youβll be able to catch multipleβ¦? Only time can tell.
As the one whose been with FLOS the longest out of everyone on your team, Kiaβs willingly taken on the role of a βcaretakerβ, even if they arenβt the one leading the main operations. Theyβre responsible, loyal, patient, and are willing to answerβ¦most questions. Strangely enough, they donβt supply many details outside of the ones on their file, and if you ask anyone, theyβll likely give you the same vague answer. Itβs as if they donβt truly know whatβs going on with Kia under the surface. Will you be able to look past that and weasel your way into their head?
Poly romance route: Engage in a mono romance OR a poly with C.
Out of everyone, C seems to be the one most interested in you. Itβs a bit flattering, maybe a bit unsettling, but as time goes on, you learn that other members of the team seem to be somewhat wary of them. However, to you, theyβre perceived as charismatic, chill, and easy-going. Despite all of this, part of you canβt help but feel like something is wrong. Do you wish to figure out why? Is C really as suspicious as they make themself out to be?
Poly romance route: Engage in a mono romance OR a poly with K.
The youngest member of the team, and, funnily, the most ignored. However, it seems that they established that for themself. Extremely stoic, blunt, and aloof, Altair doesnβt seem to have much interest in much besides the reason they joined FLOS. Despite this, theyβve proven to be a valuable asset due to their connections outside the company and their expertise in alchemy. Are you willing to break through this alchemistβs cold heart?
Poly romance route: Engage in a mono romance or a poly with Lucian.
The head lead of your operation who tries their best to ensure that every mission goes without fail. When you first meet them, thereβs something about them that feelsβ¦off. Have you met this person before? It certainly feels like it, and even stranger, M seems to brush off any questions you have about their past, at least for the meantime. It even gets to a point where they sometimes only speak to you through Kia outside of meetings. Are you willing to break the professionalism and press them for answers? Or will you force yourself to bite your tongue, at least for now?
ππππππ πππππ
He/Him || 28 years old || July 27
The former frontman of the semi-famous band βLightbreakβ and another member of the teamβ¦if you can even call him that. According to Kia, heβs missed out on most group activities before you even joined, and is generally viewed as unreliable. That all changes the moment all of you start official investigations, luckily, but unfortunately, old habits die hard. Regardless, heβs a nice person to be around, and one you could easily call a friend. Still, there has to be a reason behind his avoidance, right?
Poly romance route: Engage in a mono romance OR a poly with Altair.
This IF is currently a work in progress! I hope to post progress reports at least once a month, but weβll see what happens! Also, not as important, but this account cannot receive DMs, so if you wish to contact me outside of the inbox, please reach out to @amaryllisfiles-if-main
*Note: The dividers on this post are from Pinterest (if anyone knows the OG artist for that, lmk <3), and the banner along with all in-game images are drawn by me. No AI was used for the writing.
word count (in total): 15.9K (without code) [+9.6K]
mobile friendly (i hope) and playable in browser.
chapter two!! after two whole years!!
itβs short again (sorry about that), but chapter three will definitely make up for it.
meet el and aksel.
matchmake maddox and n a littleβ¦if you want.
bulked out the first chapter a little bit.
i was struggling with the stat bars after two years of not touching twine, so i stripped the stats back to the absolute basics, but they work nowβ¦so a win is a win!
changed the plot a little, tiny bit. it just makes more sense to me now.
next update:
chapter three! which will involve your journey to the site of the first clue, some parkour, maybe a mummy encounter, and meeting menna.
sort out the profile section.
anyway. hereβs to hoping we donβt have to wait another two years for my brain to reengage with this.
once again, my writing is never going to win me awards, but iβm having fun and thatβs the main thing imo. so, i hope you enjoy playing along! please let me know if you find any spelling/grammar/tense mistakes!
was going to give a shoutout to @/innerdemons-if for the template, but theyβve deactivated :(
ai disclosure: no ai was used during the writing or coding process.
Aaaaa, thank you for over 500 followers!! Regardless of if you've been here for a while, or just got here, I'm extremely grateful for all the support <33
Now, regarding actual writing progress, unfortunately, I have been a bit slow due to a lack of energy (both from being busy in general and getting sick throughout all of last week π), but I am going to try and do more this next week!
Overall, I have the interlude completely finished (I forgot if I already mentioned that in the last update lmfao), and maybe...a fourth of chapter 2 done. Again, thank you for the support, and thank you for being patient </3
β¦ the first to fall in love loses (meet that loser)
(NOTE) The demo is here! I was supposed to release it on July 7 but the UI I had made was really bad so I had to start over and recode it. Chapter 1; part 1 (thatβs where the most of the customization are) was supposed to be released alongside it but I didnβt have time to code it to the new template considering I am way past the deadline. Sorry for the delay and hope you enjoyed it
AND SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WHO HAD HELPED ME IN PLAY TESTING, FEEDBACK, AND BRAINSTORMING THIS STORY! YOU GUYS ARE GREAT π«Ά
Good news, the interlude is pretty much done (although as time passes I might still edit it slightly, but now itβs just not as much of a priority thankfully)! As of rn, Iβm working to finalize the scene plan for chapter 2, and I should be able to actually get going with it within the next couple of weeks! Besides that, Iβve also been trying to rework stats and fix up the chapter skip.
One last thing, I also might be a bit busier for the time being, esp considering my birthday is in a few days, but weβll see how much I can accomplish by mid-July π₯Ή
What color is the interior of each characterβs house, and does the carpets match the drapes (literally)
Tbh it was so fun looking up stuff for this <3
M:
They have ivory-colored walls and either black or dark burgundy furniture (and maybe a chandelier or two)
Would have a small bookcase in the living room, though it's not as full as they wish it was lol
Not too many decorations either. Maybe a few abstract paintings and a plant or two next to the front door or in a glass vase on the coffee table, but that's about it!
I can see them going for black lace curtains and dark red rugs in the living room
Kia:
Lives in an apartment as of now with light beige walls and brown or sage green furniture (+ a few warmly lit lamps and string lights scattered throughout the areas)
Their walls have a good amount of photographs, maybe three posters of bands they like, and nature paintings hanging around
Would probably just settle for simple white or ivory curtains and rugs in the living area and bedroom
C:
(Also) lives in an apartment as of now with white walls, grey or black furniture, and several pendant lights in every room
They have a mirror in the living room and in the hallways + a singular minimalist painting, but other than that, they don't care much to decorate
Sheer white curtains with a white, beige, and navy-blue rug in the living and dining areas
Altair:
Blue-grey wallpaper with white or light grey furniture as well as a few tall lamps in every room
They few music posters and photographs hanging up on the walls, along with a few fake plants and a bookshelf above the sofa in the living room
Dark blue lace curtains with light beige rugs in the living and bedroom(s)
Lucian:
Lives in an apartment with white walls, light cream-colored furniture, and string lights in multiple areas that change colors
Has several smaller band posters (both his own and others) along with polaroids and photo booth strips of his friends on the walls. Also a black record player and a large, dark blue blanket in the living room
No curtains, only blinds, along with a fluffy grey rug under the coffee table
Astri:
Cream colored walls, white or light sage green furniture, and candles or pendant lights in almost every room
Hangs up a lot of her own paintings as well as photos of her family. She also has floral throw pillows on the sofa and a good number of small plants on shelves and on the coffee table!
Sheer, white curtains and a large cream shag rug in the living room
18+ interactive fiction story dealing with sensitive topics like abuse, self-harm and addiction (plus future optional sexual content). Read at your own discretion.
One of the major themes for this story is identity vs. conformity. As such it is not possible to play as anything other than male or female at the start with he/him and she/her pronouns. There will be opportunities later in the story to identify as trans or non-binary and adjust your body, name and pronouns accordingly. Be warned that such changes and queer relationships will elicit a reaction from characters in the story, but don't let that stop you from being yourself.
Love is the greatest weapon of all, but its absence is not peace.
At the age of twelve, your parentsβ abuse couldnβt be concealed any longer. Nowβa year laterβyouβre in a new home, still reeling from the unfairness of it all. A nasty habit that destroys delicate skin helps, but so does playing your well-loved guitar to escape a world that scares you. Exceptional talent, but an inability to fit in, you're left instilled with mistrust beneath a layer of yearning for something youβve never had. Taking a desperate approach to change your life, you sign up for Stagebound; Britain's largest singing competition.
Young and scared, you reveal something you canβt take back, only to deal with the aftermath your whole career. An outstanding career as a guitarist in a band consisting of people you didn't know before the competition; people your age who will struggle alongside you as you navigate the music industry for many years. The strongest bonds break the loudest... can you really trust the people you didn't get to choose?
Consists of III acts spanning 3 chapters each.
Act I: The Stagebound competition and the aftermath spanning a year later.
Act II: The band breaking into the US market and dealing with all things Hollywood.
Act III: Reunion album and tour years down the line.
Customise your MC! From looks to personality to behaviours, make a character with a predetermined backstory your own.
Struggle with all aspects of fame, or embrace the rockstar lifestyle and shower in the attention.
Keep the peace or stir the drama! With bandmates like these things are sure to stay interesting.
Fight against the constraints of the industry. Queer or otherwise unconventional? Your path to self-expression won't be easy but no less worthwhile.
Your horrific public past haunts you. Will you fall into a rabbit-hole of vices or find healthier ways to cope?
Greylin/Greyson 'Grey' Charter [f/m]
"They told me I couldnβt, so I did it twice and took pics."
Outgoing and confident, Grey doesn't allow themself to go unnoticed. They chase good times unapologetically, but remain ambitious in all their pursuits. They're charismatic despite how stubborn they tend to be, and they work hard to conceal their unpleasant tendencies. They idolise performers who dominate the sceneβwild, eccentric, impossible to ignore. Getting them on stage is easy. Getting them off, howeverβ¦
As the lead singer and you as the guitarist, you could be a powerful duoβbe it forged in friendship or rivalry. Either way, Grey can take you to the highest peaks, and the lowest valleys. The journey won't be easy, but if you make it you'd have someone that would believe in you till the end of time.
Finley Beckham-Barlowe [f/m]
"Music unlocks the soul; that's why it's called a key."
Closed-off and understated, Finley is used to getting overlooked. They fit the image of the cool bassist on stage, though the same easy-going attitude doesn't quite carry off of it. Quiet by nature, they still voice their opinions without hesitation. They're also not one to conceal their emotions intentionally, and love music that convey feelings in a raw manner. Getting them on stage is of little issue, it's the spectacle beyond performing that leaves them weary.
As the bassist they could be the rhythm to your melody or the chain to your freedom. They can guide as easily as they obstruct, and the dynamic between you would be a constant push and pull. Finding balance won't be easy, but if established, you'd have an anchor for life.
Bem Adeleke [f/m]
"There is strength in crying and in numbers⦠so crying about maths is the epitome of strength!"
Friendly and eager, Bem sets out to win people over. They're a natural mediator functioning as the backbone of the band, yet unfamiliar with the drums, they constantly scramble to keep up with the rest of you. They live in constant movement, much like the dance music they're drawn to, rarely slowing down to think about themself. Getting them on stage is the hard part; everything after is what they live for.
As your drummer they sit at your centre without meaning to, trying to be a steady baseline without matching the tempo required. When the beat does drop however, you know who'll break their back trying to catch it. But heartbeats are tricky and synchronization can't be forced. If developed naturally, it would mean two lives equally intertwined by the pace you've set.
Irene Svetla
Pop-star phenomenon and Britain's sweetheart, Irene was a contestant on Stagebound a decade before you. Winning the competition meant skyrocketing to fame in an event that still leaves her reeling. She's your self-imposed protector and can be your greatest ally as well as your biggest obstacle.
Zakari 'Zak' Hakim
Underground artist turned mainstream as hip-hop exploded in popularity and carried overseas. He knows the industry well and bears it with a grin. Zak grants you the most freedom but the least guidance, focused solely on increasing your reach even if it means stretching you thin in the process.
Chris Feldman
Veteran from the glory days of the seventies and eighties music scene, Feldman carries the scars of a rockstar with understated pride. When music shifted and his band became obsolete he took a backseat as a producer and manager instead. Feldman knows all about the hidden corners of the industry and the danger of vices. He's there to toughen you up, and give you the reality check you didn't ask for but might have needed.
Stagebound is a WIP slice-of-life/fame IF story with optional romance. Things are liable to change, bugs are likely to occur and typos will slip through. Feedback is always appreciated. Your thoughts matter. It helps me shape this story into the best it can be!
As an author I do not use, nor support the use of generative AI. I do not consent for my work to be used to train these models (though I doubt that matters).
Meet the cast and dive into their history with Guppy
Unlock deeper customization for your MC
Arrive at Costa Sul
As always, please drop your thoughts, bugs, and favorite moments in the ask box. Happy playing! π
Ramblings down below
Some notes about the author
First of all, I want to apologize for the delay. I hate not meeting deadlines, but I'm pretty happy I managed to keep a good editing rhythm even when life was⦠lifeing.
Getting sick, writing a thesis, being an intern... add all of that to a perfectionist who spends hours agonizing over a single paragraph, and you get a delayed passion project π
Some notes about the story
In some parts, this chapter is heavier on descriptions than the rest of the story will be, so some scenes might have fewer choices than usual.
And yes, you read it right; this is the full chapter one. I decided to release the whole of chapter one in one go and push the RO reunions to chapter two instead.
