Zayn Malik Reacts To One Direction's New Single

If there was a single doubt left about civility between One Direction and former bandmate, Zayn Malik, one tweet has definitively shut it down. A collective "YAS!" was catalyzed on Friday, July 31, when 1D unexpectedly dropped their new single, "Drag Me Down," on Spotify. Although some speculated that the early release could have been spurred by Malik's tweet announcing his record deal with RCA, the former Directioner was one of the first to laud his old band's new single. On Saturday, Aug. 1, he tweeted, "Proud of my boys the new single is sick. Big love. :) x." The praise — along with the smiley face — is a pleasant surprise, but it isn't the first show of support from the singer and 1D since Malik left the band in March.

Although there were brief signs of a riff following a Twitter beef between Malik and Louis Tomlinson, the upset was quickly diffused, and disheartened fans across the globe were assured that everything was just fine between the former bandmates. As sad as some continue to feel over Malik's exit, clearly the decision was the appropriate move for him, and both he and 1D have taken to showing their support for each other via awards shows, guest spots, and social media.

In celebration of all of these dashing gents' new ventures, let's take a look at a timeline of support from both sides of the equation.

1. Zayn Thanks 1D During 2015 Asian Awards

While Zayn had remained relatively mum following his exit from 1D, he took the opportunity to thank his former bandmates during his acceptance speech at the 2015 Asian Awards in April. "I’d also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I’ve ever met whilst being in a band and doing all the amazing things that I did," he said. "The things that we did will stay with me for the rest of my life and I thank you for that." If you listen closely, you can almost hear the collective squees of 1D fans 'round the world.

2. Louis Tomlinson Clears Up That Twitter Beef

Any hopes that 1D and Malik would remain friends following his exit were temporarily dashed when Tomlinson and Malik engaged in a Twitter feud involving producer, Naughty Boy. Thankfully, Tomlinson assured James Corden — and the world — that the two had made up and all was "good in the hood" following the brief spat during a May appearance on The Late Late Show. Other members also noted their support and understanding of Malik's decision.

3. 1D Thanks Their "Brother" Zayn At The 2015 Billboard Awards

On the same night that Taylor Swift debuted her "Bad Blood" music video, 1D proved that there was no bad blood with Malik. At the end of their acceptance speech for Top Duo/Group, Liam Payne took to the mic to say, "There's one more person to share this with, and that's our brother Zayn." Aww!

4. Harry Styles' Adorable "Don't Remind Us!" Quote About Zayn

In a backstage video posted in August, one fan who was lucky enough to hang out with the boys of 1D was heard saying, "Zayn isn't here." Styles responded with faux anguish by shouting, "Don't remind us!" Although the statement was made in jest, it's clear that the members have missed their "brother," even while wishing him the best.

5. Zayn's Praise Of "Drag Me Down" Is Sweet And Supportive

This, of course, brings us to the most recent showcasing of support. Malik's super sweet tweet has a smiley face and everything!

Clearly, both 1D and Malik have done an admirable job moving in different directions (pun very much intended) while also remaining on good terms.