One Lie

One Lie is an adult, choice-based visual novel about a young man, his best friend Julie, and the people he meets as he faces his past and decides what he wants from the future. You choose whom he dates, affecting both him and the other characters. From Chapter 4 onward, choices divide the game into separate stories.

Story

You and Julie have been best friends since childhood, and you trust her above anyone else. As you prepare to enter college, Julie lies to your girlfriend about how close the two of you are. Feeling betrayed, you decide to attend another college without her. Your parents have betrayed and used you in the past, and you do not want that in your life again.

Julie realizes her mistake and that she loves you. She follows you, hoping to earn your forgiveness and tell you how she feels. You decide whether to forgive her and whether you have feelings for her. Along the way, you meet another young woman, whose arrival can affect your choice.

Characters

The main character is an ordinary young man with a secret from his past that even Julie does not know. He has suffered, but remains willing to help others. You can change his name and Julie's.

• Julie: Your childhood best friend, a troublemaker who has always stood by you until her lie breaks your trust.
• Anh: A shy, intelligent young woman trying to gain independence from her loving but controlling parents. She senses something is wrong with you and wants to help; she may fall in love with you, and can become either your partner or a close friend.
• Alex: An orphan with a generous heart who develops a crush on Julie. She sets her feelings aside to help Julie seek your forgiveness. She studies child psychology and early childhood education, hoping to work with children, and dreams of having children of her own.
• Yana: She works hard at a part-time job and is the sole caretaker for her disabled father. She wants to attend college but has little time between work and caregiving.
• Carol: Julie's aunt and a former police officer, she left her job to care for Julie after Julie's parents died in a motor vehicle accident. Carol grew close to you when you spent time at their home to get away from your abusive father.
• Bobbie: A no-nonsense, funny bar owner and Carol's lover or girlfriend; the two have not yet worked out where they stand. She is close to both you and Julie.