Entertainment

Photos Of Zayn Malik Over The Years Will Help Soothe Your Soul

It's a dark day. Like, THE DARKEST. On Wednesday, the hot one Zayn Malik said he's leaving One Direction. The band released a statement on their Facebook page that delivered the devastating news. Zayn wrote: "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart."

FINE. You do you, Zayn. Whatever. This is like Ginger leaving the Spice Girls all over again. Only this time, better hair is involved.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here, fans — soothe your soul with these glorious images of our dearly departed. Zayn, though you're not dead (yay!) we feel like we're suffering a major loss.

by Lindsay Mannering

Shy Zayn in 2010

Always a little camera shy. Aw.

Neil Mockford/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Shopping Zayn in 2010

Do we think he’s buying tissues five years in advance, since he knew this day would come?

Neil Mockford/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Smoldering Zayn in 2010

He’s had it since day one.

Ian Gavan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Suit Zayn in 2010

Get it.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Blue Zayn in 2011

Brb crying.

Tim Whitby/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Swoopy Blonde Thing Zayn in 2012

His hair reflexes our emotions: they’re mixed.

Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Shocked Zayn in 2012

Samesies.

Kevin Kane/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Triumphant Zayn in 2012

He seems happy there :(

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Croony Croon Zayn in 2012

Sing to my heart, my boy.

Kevin Kane/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Fan-Loving Zayn in 2012

So long, fan-loving Zayn.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Alone Zayn in 2012

Wait, maybe he’s been hinting at a solo act for three years.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Plaid Zayn in 2012

So plaid, so sad.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Dark Zayn in 2013

Alone, in the shadows. Just like us right now.

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Ear-Piece Zayn in 2013

Can you hear the sound of hearts breaking everywhere?

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Happy Zayn in 2013

That smile! It exists!

Ian Gavan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Eyebrows On Fleek Zayn in 2013

Hawt.

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Face In Hands Zayn in 2013

This girl gets everything.

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Greaser Zayn in 2014

No comment.

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Backstage Zayn in 2014

Preparation is key.

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Hanging with 50 Cent Zayn in 2014

Is this who he’s leaving One Direction for?

Isaac Brekken/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Good Listener Zayn in 2014

He was always there for his buddies.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Rocker Zayn in 2014

He’s really into that maroon sweatshirt, isn’t he.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Pouty Zayn in 2014

UGH SAD FACE.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

On a Headband Zayn in 2015

We'll never forget you, the hot guy in 1D who just up and quit the band!

NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images
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