Liam Payne's Zayn Statement Gets An A+

It's day two of the Zaynpocalypse, how are you handling things? If you're a very casual acquaintance of One Direction like me (aka you enjoy "Story Of My Life" and find Harry Styles' man bun whimsical), then you're probably doing OK post-Zayn Malik and using the opportunity to make Ginger Spice comparisons every chance you get. But, if you're a hardcore fan, this is surely a very rough time — I lived through Ginger Spice, I KNOW! One thing that is probably keeping real Directioners going is the kind and positive words from the remaining members. In fact, Liam Payne spoke out about Zayn Malik leaving on Thursday afternoon, and expanded on what the band has made clear all along: that they're sticking together and that they love their fans.

Payne wrote using Twit Longer,

In light of recent events I think this is important to say.For the past five years now I've been part of something so special I don't think any of us really understand, something that can mean the world to people and put a smile on the face of our fans even in the darkest times. To a lot of people it's just a bunch of silly kids in a band but to the people involved it means so much more. This last week has been some of the worst times, possibly the worst it's something we are all deeply saddened by. It's sad to think for the time being we won't grace the stage as five bros or have the same fun on a tour bus or laughs in a hotel together that we have over the years but I'm super sure us and zayn will always remain the closest friends. I guess what I'm really trying to say is it's far from over. When we very 1st became successful we all agreed that one direction had become much bigger than each individual member that's why I feel like right now it's ok to be sad and upset but I do ask everyone who is a fan of us to please keep ur faith in us I'm sure there's a lot more to come all love Liam

It's a given that this must really speak to many One Direction fans, but just to talk about myself a little bit more: this really speaks to me. And I don't mean that in a only-my-thoughts-matter-because-I'm-selfish sort of way, I mean that in a "Whoa! Liam. With these words you are melting the cold, icy hearts of cynical non-Directioners the world over" sort of way.

The part about it meaning so much to the people involved? The part about them no longer taking the stage as "five bros?" The part where he's all "it's far from over?" He's serving some Noah Calhoun realness towards the end there and I am totally on board. (And, no, I'm not being sarcastic.)

Even if you're not a 1D fan or you aren't in their age demographic or you still don't know who the heck Zayn is, you can probably relate to Payne's message in some way. So many of us have seen bands breakup and felt sad about it, so it's undeniably awesome that the amount of support these guys are showing to their fans is really cool. Way to go, One Direction. May your album as a foursome find more success than your predecessor's.

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