So, Is One Direction Going On A Break Or Not? (Update: Yes, Says Niall)

One Direction: the new Ross and Rachel. No one knows if they’re on a break.

Last month, string-puller Simon Cowell suggested that One Direction might soon go on hiatus, given that they’ve “got enough hits now.” (Considering that their most recent tour was grueling enough for Zayn Malik to call it quits halfway through, a time-out for the remaining members might not be the worst idea.)

But then, One Direction dropped their first Zayn-less single, “Drag Me Down” – complete with a music video! – indicating they were re-energised and gearing up for the next album’s release.

Now comes news – and that is a very generous term, given the source – from The Sun that the band plans on disbanding in March for at least one year.

According to the report, the time off will allow them to pursue solo projects.

First, however, 1D will release their fifth album (sans Zayn). Just don’t expect a tour to follow.

Of course, all of this speculation comes from tabloid of ill repute, The Sun.

Still, as a thought experiment, it’s interesting to consider what would happen if the band splintered off to release their own albums.

The history of boyband breakups are littered with failed solo projects. There’s usually only enough room in our shared cultural consciousness for one breakout talent, and though Zayn has the jump on his former bandmates, surely Harry Styles will be the first standalone One Directioner to achieve super stardom. If his debut album hits, would he be all that inclined to return to 1D?

Hey, Justin Timberlake went back to N*SYNC… 12 years after he left. And for like, a minute.

What we’re saying is, whether or not One Direction’s hiatus comes in March or much later, just know that their time together is limited. Start preparing for the inevitable.

Update: Well, Niall has made the (temporary) break official.