We Are Not Dating

"How long are you going to put on the charade?" Gabriel asked her out of nowhere, halting her movement so her spoon hung awkwardly, halfway to her mouth. 

"As long as I can," Zoe answered, resuming licking her ice cream. 

"The truth would set you free," Gabriel said to her and she dropped her spoon on the desk, rousing his attention. 

"What?" Gabriel asked uncomfortably, feeling that he has provoked her. Again. 

Apart from having a tight lip, he was direct to a fault and that was his problem while associating with women. Every lady wanted to be pampared and for her boyfriend to validate her feelings. He was still new to that aspect. 

Zoe knew that he didn't mean to insult her but she couldn't help but get offended. 

"What's so wrong with wanting to keep your secret?" She asked him with emotion. 

Zoe went on to say, "Surely, everyone has a secret that they want to protect. So why is my case different? Why must I stop protecting mine?"