This week marks the tragic departure of the cheek-bone king, the high-note master, the kind and lovable Zayn Malik from his band, One Direction. Fans all over the world are rightly grieving, myself included. Yesterday's feelings have stretched across the entire spectrum of human emotion: I cried, I threw cutlery, I denied, I convinced myself Louis could change his mind, I yelled, I even laughed psychotically for a bit. Obviously, there's waaaaaay too much happening right now, so I have decided to create a compilation of Zayn's greatest moments over the past five years to soothe our pain.
1. When he wouldn't dance at the X-Factor auditions and Simon Cowell had to give him a pep talk. "I CON'T DONCE SIMON," he said, and I cried.
2. During the first tour when he wore nothing but letterman jackets like he was a high school football player...which proves he could wear a burlap sack and still look good.
3. When he posted this video of himself dancing, looking DAMN fine. Obviously he gained some confidence in his abilities.
4. When the boys were asked what cologne they wore, and Louis said Gucci. Zayn immediately went on the offensive and actually said, “Don't ever claim Gucci as you." (Also note the letterman jacket).
5. When his trademark phrase was "Vas happenin'" back in the olden days. What is happening, Zayn? I'd love to know...
6. When he called Malibu “Malabami." I love him so much.
7. When he dressed up like a woman in the Best Song Ever music video, and he was a hotter girl than I ever will be. Look at how impressed boy Zayn is with girl Zayn. Same.
8. When he said, "Ya drink it, ya drink it, ya drink it," during This Is Us to a very confused Niall.
9. Anytime he laughed and his eyes crinkled like a majestic unicorn. Does that make sense? Sorry, I'm spiraling.
10. When he created art in This Is Us and he honestly looked like an angel here to bless us all with his talent.
11. When he had a blonde streak in his hair for that brief moment. You know he rocked it.
12. His high note in You & I. I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard that. It changed my life. It changes my life everyday.
13. When he was asked what his favorite song was at the moment, and he answered with a wonderful rendition of Drake's "Versace."
14. When he kissed Harry's cheek at the end of the Kiss You video and we all died because we wanted to be young Harold.
15. That one time Tyler Oakley made him wear a flower crown during an interview and he just wasn't feeling it.
16. When he and Louis were ninjas during 1D Day and he proved he's good at ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING, including throwing ninja stars at a board.
17. When he and the rest of the boys went to Ghana and he broke all of our hearts with his giving spirit. My soul weeps.
18. His AMA hair. I swear he broke the internet that day. Good lord.
19. When he took us all on a date during the Night Changes video. I can never look at red wine the same way.
20. WHEN HE BOUGHT HIS MOM A HOUSE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WE WILL ALL REMEMBER THIS PHONE CALL UNTIL THE EARTH IMPLODES.
Zayn, we love you and we'll certainly miss you; One Direction isn't One Direction without you. Anytime you want to come back to us, please do. We will welcome you with open arms, you perfect, lovable, majestic boy.
