Since it debuted in 2019, Peacock’s dating programme “Love Island USA” has become a fan favourite. Based on the eponymous British series, the reality show is famed for keeping the audience on their toes with twists and turns that few anticipate coming. After all, the search to find love is never straightforward, and we certainly get to see that in season 5 through the love tale of Imani Wheeler and Isiah “Zay” Harayda. But the public is most interested in learning about how their relationship is doing right now, which is what we’re here to do!
Imani and Zay’s Love Island USA Journey
Imani Wheeler began a difficult journey when she checked into the “Love Island USA” villa. She was first drawn to both Jonah Allman and Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen. She did, however, soon join other girls in moving to Casa Amor. While there, she surely did not stop her mission to find love and soon got closer to Kyle Darden. This meant that at the conclusion of the week, she brought him back with her to the main villa. The two men she had previously been interested in had additionally connected with someone.
The initial delicacy of their friendship was sweet, but as time went on, Imani realised that her connection with Kyle was not quite what she had imagined. She decided to talk to Kyle because she was sick of feeling like she was giving a relationship her all but the other person wasn’t doing the same. The two decided to part ways and look for other relationships. She attempted to discuss the same with him while still harbouring a flame for Bergie, but he choose to continue with Taylor Smith.
Imani and Isiah “Zay” Harayda developed a heartwarming bond that many people did not anticipate. The latter had entered the villa with Destiny Davis and was also a VIP of Casa Amor. However, they ultimately parted ways, giving Zay the freedom to pursue his relationship with Imani. Despite the fact that they didn’t spend a lot of time together on the Peacock show, Imani made the decision to partner with Zay during the previous recoupling ceremony.
The cast members were invited to vote out the pair they believed to be the most incompatible after the most recent recoupling ceremony. No one questioned Imani’s fondness for Zay given her outspoken declarations of love for him, but many had overheard Zay say that he felt like he and Imani were more like friends than romantic partners. Imani and Zay were consequently removed from the competition on Day 28.
Are Imani and Zay Still Together?
Imani Wheeler and Isiah “Zay” Harayda don’t appear to be dating as of this writing. Many were not surprised, given that the latter preferred a platonic friendship than a passionate one with his on-screen love interest. Imani also seemed to have accepted this as a reality. “Our talk went pretty well, and Zay showed his interest in me and his opinion of my attractiveness. There was a spark of romance, and I thought, “Okay, maybe we just missed each other.” In their farewell interview with Maura Higgins, she said, “We had a lot going on.
I was excited, you know, I saw excellent traits in him and I felt like it could work, but then the re-coupling happened, Imani continued. I understood that you were giving me more of a friendship sense… In my mind, I went out alone. Zay went on to say that possibly their limited time together was a factor in their inability to develop a love connection. It wasn’t always apparent that we were buddies. Because we arrived at the game so late, it initially appeared that way to me. I was genuinely surprised by the interaction you and I had, and I wish that we had had more time to speak, more time to find out, more time to see if there was anything more significant that was there,” he said.
“We kind of ignored ourselves in a sense with all of the drama and things that were going on on either of our sides, and I wish we would’ve spent more time together. I was a little surprised by the re-coupling. I suppose I was ready to depart that night. I was extremely appreciative and thankful that you picked me. I have absolutely nothing to say about you. I just feel like we didn’t have enough time, and I know you’re a great girl,” Zay continued. Even though they decided against looking into a romantic relationship, it is clear that Imani and Zay still get along well and value each other greatly.
