It's only been a year since Zayn Malik left One Direction, but so much has happened in that time. He's recorded his own album and released a hit single, "Pillowtalk." Based on previous interviews, it appeared that he's no longer friends with his former bandmates. Yet just when Directioners thought all hope was lost, Malik revealed he's still close with Liam Payne. In an interview with NME magazine, he said,
I'm still probably the closest to Liam. We talk on the phone. He congratulated me on my single, which was nice. I congratulated him on his Brit Award. It was a good chat. We haven't met up in a long time so we want to meet up.
This definitely shows progress and that there's still a chance at some 1D reconciliation, even if it's just between two members of the band. As for the rest of the group, unfortunately Malik told NME, "I tried to have contact but nobody's reached out. So... whatever." It's a bit heartbreaking to hear that the effort hasn't been reciprocated, but who knows. The other guys could have a lot going on. (After all, Louis Tomlinson is now a dad!) Maybe after Malik and Payne rebuild their relationship, it could lead to the other guys giving him a chance. It'd essentially be paving the way for a One Direction reunion.
When you think about it, it's actually not surprising that Payne is the guy that Malik is closest to. At the Billboard Music Awards last May, he was the one to give Malik a shoutout during their acceptance speech. He said, "There's one more person to share this with and that's our brother Zayn." Payne also was vocal about understanding why Malik left the band. In a radio interview in August, he said,
One Direction was never Zayn's sort of music, so he kind of always wanted to find something else. If your heart's not into something you can't just carry on doing it because of fame and stuff. You have to go and do what you want to do.
Even before Malik left the band, he and Payne were close. So much so that fans lovingly refer to them as Ziam. It turns out these two have quite the bromance history together. Here's a round-up of the good, old Ziam days.
1. Dancing To Jason Derulo
They were so in sync with their dance moves.
2. Hugging It Out
Now that's a serious hug.
3. Standing Up For Each Other
Malik had Payne's back during this mini fight.
4. Goofing Around On Stage
Just look at them showing off their muscles.
5. Taking Naps
Clearly these two were super comfortable around one another. They could lean on one another (quite literally).
6. Morphing Into One Another
It appears as though they're so close, that they're becoming the same person.
After that nice trip down memory lane, I can't help but wonder when will the other guys will remember the good times and make amends too. Otherwise, there's a chance Malik will become like Adele and sing about trying to call them a thousand times. Now that would really break fans' hearts.
Image: Giphy (1)
