"I've never felt closer to you" - Kendall consoles a crying Nicole in Love Island USA season 6 finale

In the Love Island USA season 6 finale, aired on Sunday, July 21, 2024, Kendall wore his heart on his sleeve and told Nicole he loved her while on their final date. The latter, however, was hesitant about saying the powerful words back to him and was upset about the same.

Back at the villa, Nicole spoke to JaNa and Serena about her date and told them she felt like she ruined it by not telling him that she loved him back. The two consoled her and reminded her that she didn't need to say anything to Kendall that she didn't feel. While Nicole started crying.

Later in the episode, she spoke to Kendall about the same and apologized to him. She added that she was scared. But the Love Island USA season 6 islander assured her that she didn't need to say it back until she was ready.

He further praised her for being honest and said that it made him feel like her honesty brought them closer together. Kendall said:

"I've never felt closer to you ever, like this was the best day of my life okay? and I got to spend it with the person that I do love the most, which is you."

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Nicole and Kendall's emotional conversation in Love Island USA season 6 finale explored

In Love Island USA season 6 episode 36, Nicole and Kendall go to a private island as part of their final date. At the romantic location, the two recalled their journey on the reality show and how they felt about each other.

Nicole told the male islander she loved his energy and called him the "best guy." She added that she didn't ever meet someone like him and got emotional. She told Kendall that compared to the men she had been with in the past, he was "such a good guy."

Kendall also told the Love Island USA season 6 female cast member that he had never met someone like Nicole and she made her feel "comfortable, loved, and chosen." Kendall said emotionally:

"Like, I'm legit straight falling in love with you. Nicole, I love you."

At the time, Nicole wasn't comfortable telling him the same back but assured him that she felt similarly. Kendall told her she didn't need to worry about it and told her he wasn't going anywhere.

Back at the villa, Nicole told Serena and JaNa about Kendall's love confession. The female Love Island USA season 6 cast members were shocked and excited for Nicole and asked her what she said. She told them she "didn't say it back," and started tearing up. The two consoled her and told her it was okay. Nicole added:

"I feel like I ruined the date."

Serena told her she was a "genuine" person and noted that her genuineness was why Kendall loved her. JaNa told her to be honest with him and show her appreciation by letting him know that his patience would allow her to "eventually get there."

Nicole further added in a confessional:

"I hope I didn't hurt him by not saying it back in the moment. Yeah, it's scary but it did not change my feelings about him at all."

Later, Kendall and Nicole chatted about the same and Nicole broke down in tears as she was afraid she ruined their special moment. Kendall assured the Love Island USA season 6 star that she didn't "ruin anything." Kendall said:

"I know you and the fact that you were so honest with me there just shows how much of a genuine person you are."

Nicole hugged the season 6 star and once again said she "really thought" she ruined their date. She told him she thought the Love Island USA star was going to "go in" on her and praised him for being "so understanding."

Nicole promised she would eventually get there. Kendall reminded her that she didn't need to promise him anything, and was happy that they were moving at their own paces.

Although Nicole was hesitant at first, while reciting their letters to one another towards the end of the episode, Nicole told him that she did in fact love him. The two finished in fourth place in Love Island USA season 6.

Although the reality dating show is officially over, it will return to screens once again on August 19, 2024, for a reunion special on Peacock.