Benjamin Ashford|Love Island USA's Nicole Jacky Says "Things Have Not Been Easy" in Cryptic Social Media Return

Nicole Jacky is adjusting to life outside the villa.

The Love Island USA star may have Benjamin Ashfordfound love with costar Kendall Washington on the Peacock reality show, but the 26-year-old admitted that returning to the real world has been a bit of a rocky ride.

"Some of you have noticed that I've been quiet and not posting much," Nicole began her Aug. 1 Instagram Story, "so just wanted to provide an update."

"While Love Island was an amazing experience," she continued, "things have not been easy since leaving the villa. There's much more to share on what has happened since coming home, and for now, I've been taking time to process—these are real feelings and my real life."

Nicole thanked her fans for understanding her need for space and sent them love as she navigates the post-island world.

Her vague social media note comes less than two weeks after the show's finale, which saw her and Kendall come in fourth place, with Kordell Beckham and Serena Page taking the top prize.

And she's not the only islander who has returned from Fiji with a message to fans. But just before the finale, NSFW videos of Kendall were leaked online, and as soon has he has his phone back in hand he was to address the chatter.

"What a way to get my phone back y'all," he wrote in a July 22 Instagram Story, referencing how he had been offline for filming. "I just want to address the content that came out from my past. That was something I shared to someone in confidence and trust."

The 27-year-old continued, "It's unfortunate that it's no longer private but it is what it is."

Still, he added that he was grateful for his experience, but more than that "Excited for what's next."

During season six of Love Island USA, Kendall, one of the original 10 islanders, coupled up with Nicole just a few days after her day six arrival and remained paired through to the finale. (Fellow finalists Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi were runner up while JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez placed third.)

As for Kendall and Nicole, the couple shared "I love yous" during the big finale, with Kendall recalling the first time he knew that Nicole was the one for him.

"Looking back at the moment we first met, still gives me the chills," he told her. "When I heard the sound of your high heels getting closer to me, you then took my blindfold off me. Until this day, I have never laid eyes on something so beautiful."

He added, "Nicole Danielle Jacky, when I say these words, I mean them: I love you."

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