Leah Kateb andMiguel Harichiwere declared the seasons runners-up.
At the same time, it was nice to see that people were seeing what we were feeling.
For Harichi,being a part of this season was an unexpected challenge.
Leah Kateb, Miguel HarichiBen Symons/Peacock
I had no idea howLove Islandreally works, the 27-year-old fitness model and actor tellsRolling Stone.
Its foreshadowing, innit?
It is a full circle moment for real.
Season 11 Finale in the U.S.
I dont think they even told me that filming had started [when I arrived in Fiji].
Youre waiting in [the hotel], and you dont know anything.
I didnt have my cell phone.
I didnt have a computer.
I didnt have Netflix for the first week.
I was literally living in limbo, just working out and reading books.
Youre living in the unknown.
There are no clocks, so you dont even know what time it is.
Once the episodes start airing, you get an idea of whats going on in the villa.
But everyone seemed cool.
[Producers] would ask me, Who do you like?
Who do you dislike?
And I always said, I dont dislike anybody.
With the women, I thought the majority of them were very beautiful.
The personalities and traits you see are picked and edited.
I wanted to make that decision when I got inside.
But Leah and I were moving at a more real-world pace compared to everybody else.
We were moving at our own pace.
How are they not getting picked, and were still standing?
I dont get it.
I was surprised, too, but at the same time, I understood why we were still there.
I think Leah and I hit it off so well from the beginning.
I also understood her in ways that other people may have misunderstood.
However, I can understand why.
I think there was a certain lack of communication between them.
I do still think that what they have is very sweet and genuine.
Sometimes you have to be like, This is what happened.
This is how I feel.
But you should probably listen to me for a second so I can get these words out.
Things like that, I think, are what outshined Kaylor and Aarons situation.
I was feeling pretty calm and I wasnt nervous about where I ended up [in the ranking].
A genuine connection is something that does take a little bit more time and it needs to be tested.
Getting to know Sierra, she definitely had traits that I admire in a woman and shes definitely attractive.
But I did keep thinking about Leah, which I was very surprised by.
You and Leah have talked about wanting to make things work on the outside.
Have you two been spending together without cameras documenting you?Yeah, were spending time together.
Shes been in my room.
Were just chilling and enjoying each others company, watching TV, and having talks.
I definitely do want to see how things can work on the outside.
I didnt want to rush things in the villa because I knew that the world outside was so different.
This is one day at a time punch in thing.
I definitely feel us getting closer.
Things are looking good.
You said on the most recentAftersunepisode that you didnt tell your mom you were going to filmLove Island USA.
Im excited to speak to her because I miss her so much.
I miss her, my brothers, my sister, and my dad.
I cant wait to get on a FaceTime call and give him the lowdown on everything thats happened.
Hopefully theyre proud of the way I carried myself on the show, if theyve seen the show.
And Rob, as well I think we had a very similar outlook on life.
He actually ended up being one of my favorite people in the villa.
We very much made long-lasting relationships and friendships this season.
This season ofLove Island USAhas been wildly successful.
I still havent fully processed it because I havent gotten my phone.
Im not seeing anything, Im just hearing words.
Its mad how everything panned out, Im so grateful for it.
Whats next for you?
Would you do more reality TV?If the right opportunity comes about, I probably wont say no.
Were looking to branch out and get more into managing talent as well.
