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.