Guys I actually cannot let this marinate I'm losing my shit rn should I just read?

yes girl

Look for and read the Novel.
It is worth it

I don't have time to read the novel and it's not the same as looking at the visuals and art:(plus exams are coming up & either I gotta let this marinate or I gotta read it now before I lose my shit

focus on exams and read this as a reward after