Zayn Malik may be done with boy bands, but he's definitely in with girlfriend Gigi Hadid's girl squad.
While the star says he didn't "get much feedback from my peers" about his debut album, Mind of Mine, he did get the nod of approval from the pop queen herself, Taylor Swift.
"At Gigi's house we briefly spoke and she told me she really enjoyed the album," Malik recalls in a new interview with Dazed about the time he showed his tunes to Swift.
Malik released Mind of Mine one year after it was announced he was departing from One Direction.
"It was nice to get some feedback," he says. "She said she thought I was cool and I kind of blushed a bit and didn't know how to take it."
And it turns out he's been longing to prove himself to more than one person in recent months.
Malik and Hadid briefly split earlier this month after seven months of dating, but sources confirm to PEOPLE they're in fact back on and happier than ever.
"They have been working on their communication and being honest with each other and so far things are great," says a Hadid source. "They were fighting all the time and Gigi caught Zayn in a handful of lies and couldn't take the mystery anymore, so she dumped him."
When the "Pillowtalk" singer "kept incessantly apologising and wanted another chance," Hadid couldn't resist.
"Gigi gave it to him, and now he's determined to prove himself to her," adds the source. "Everything's good at the moment, but things could change overnight. Zayn is really going to need to continue to prove himself to her. Otherwise, she may not stick around."
After Malik called off a show on June 11 at London's Capital Summertime Ball due to anxiety, the model took to Twitter to show her love and support for her boyfriend.
"Z - I've seen the battles you go through and the way you fight to get to a place that allows you to get up there for your fans," Hadid wrote. "Your bravery in those times makes me proud, but your honesty last night proved what you're all about, being real. Human recognises human. You made the best of the situation and have given your fans an opportunity to understand you better as a performer."
She continued, "Those who can find compassion now are the ones that deserve to watch you continue to grow," she continued. "We are all here to support you and make each experience easier. Your talent and good heart will never lead you wrong. Love you and so proud of you always :) xG."
