Cover image via Buzzfeed's Tumblr
Unless you've been living under a rock, surely you've heard by now that Zayn Malik has left One Direction. That's right, you'll never see him in any future 1D concert or music videos ever again. This is not a drill, this is real life.
Just last week, Zayn quit the group's world tour halfway through their Asian leg after being signed off for stress.
Yesterday, the band confirmed on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/onedirectionmusic/posts/869295683125227) that Zayn has decided to leave One Direction after five years together. The rest of the group – Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne – will continue as a 4-piece in upcoming concerts and in recording their fifth album, which will be released later this year.
Image via hear-niall-roar's Tumblr
As expected, Directioners all over the world erupted into a mess of chaos and denial
Emotions are running high, everyone's going into a complete meltdown… so you might want to to turn down your volume right about now
Teenage girls burst into tears and wails of despair when they learnt of the news right in the middle of class. What even is the point of education?!
Some even went as far as to build shrines for their idol, complete with lit candles and framed photos. Wait, what?!
Image via sweetheartstyles' Tumblr
Image via not so bright sky's Vine
Image via ublyud0k's Tumblr
Seriously, guys. All he did was leave One Direction, it's not like he died or something! #touchwood
Thankfully, the world is still in balance thanks to some level-headed fans who looked at the bright side of things
In fact, it's so bright it shone right into their future "love lives"
Some channelled their sadness into beautifully heartbreaking fan art…
Image via barbaraescobar's Tumblr
Image via akisdoodles' Tumblr
Image via kendrawcandraw's Tumblr
… And shared the sad news with their equally devastated parents
Image via LaurenPokedoff's Twitter
Image via Spencer Althouse on Buzzfeed
Image via jash45's Twitter
Although some moms and dads have absolutely no idea who Zayn is
Image via zomacenro's Twitter
Image via JoelleLorenzo's Twitter
The mom/dad direction-themed jokes are pretty great though
Image via Erin La Rosa on Buzzfeed
Image via LeahLooo's Twitter
Image via cxlifornouis' Twitter
Some parents tell it like it is. Momma sure knows how to pick her boys!
Image via evamwayne's Twitter
Image via tomlinshutit's Twitter
At the end of the day, we are all sad that Zayn will no longer be a part of One Direction
Image via Sugarscape
