Iris has been shaking up the internet in more ways than one. Hours after returning home from Fiji, TMZ captured a video of an emotional reunion between her and TJ, whom Iris was coupled up with before he was voted off the series, leading her to explore a new connection with Pepe.

The Season 7 finalists spoke to Decider about life after Love Island USA, and whether they plan to reconnect with their former connections.

I wanted him to know that, mics off, no cameras around, this was real, but also what I have with Pepe is real as well,” Iris tells PEOPLE