louis and zayn

Louis & Zayn Had a Mini 1D Reunion at Zayn’s Show Jeff Kravitz/OneD – Getty Images

Any 1D fans who attended Zayn Malik’s L.A. show on Wednesday night got quite the surprise, because another ex-One Direction bandmate made a guest appearance: Louis Tomlinson. During the “Pillowtalk” singer’s Stairway to the Sky Tour stop at the Shrine Expo Hall, Zayn informed the audience that the night was “kind of special,” explaining, “An old friend of mine is here supporting me tonight.”

He went on to add, “I don’t want to give his location away, but Louis is here tonight.” Of course, eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot Louis in the balcony, where he was seen patting his chest appreciatively after Zayn’s shout-out.

Zayn even dedicated his last couple of songs—“What I Am” and “Alienated”—to his friend, and after the show ended, the pair was spotted leaving the venue together and entering a waiting car.

This is the first time Zayn and Louis have stepped out together in public since Liam Payne’s funeral back in November, which they attended along with Harry Styles and Niall Horan. And while nothing has been confirmed yet, some fans believe this mini-reunion could be a sign that the remaining 1D members may put on a special performance at the Brit Awards in March, where Liam is set to be honored.

Per an insider for The Sun, “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage. It would be an entirely fitting way to honor Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the Brits unforgettable.”

Time will tell whether that *actually* happens, but for now, I’m just happy to see my guys banding together. 🥹