Is Next Year's "Break" the Beginning of the End for One Direction?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Directioners, but One Direction will be heading in four different directions starting next year.

People first reported the news Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan have mutually agreed to take at least a year-long break to pursue solo projects, beginning in March 2016.

One Direction's producer and songwriter Julian Bunetta told Entertainment Weeklythat the break is "much deserved...They've been doing something that no band has ever done - five albums, five tours, and a movie in five years. It's pretty prolific and incredible."

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Should you be worried that the break will be the end of 1D? "It's up to them," said Bunetta on how long their hiatus will last. "They might take a year off and miss it. They might take a year off and say, 'You know what? I need another year off'....I think it's important for them to do whatever their hearts desire. Maybe their hearts will lead them back together. I hope."

Leaving that much up to the desires of four very different young men doesn't give us much confidence in One Direction reuniting after that period is done. A lot can happen in a year (Zayn's defection has proven that!), including Liam becoming a father, greater success in their respective solo careers, if one or more of them get the acting bug, girlfriends and hey, even a new American president (theycould care!).

The break also means that there won't be a tour for their fifth and still-untitled album, expected to debut later this year. Though the boys will continue to promote it through February.