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Give a One Direction fan a hug today. According to Us Weekly, the supposed "extended hiatus" the band announced back in March has since turned into a permanent split.
If your initial reaction is somewhere between "WHY GOD, WHY?" and "I need to take a personal day," the anonymous source was at least kind enough to provide a few answers as to why such a tragedy has occurred. The band reportedly did not renew their recording contract after wrapping their tour in October: "The 1D thing just ran its course," said the source. "They'll remain friends, but they are exhausted and want solo careers."
What kind of solo careers, exactly? Liam "Thirst Trap" Payne is "really interested in songwriting and production, while Harry "Floral Suit" Styles is "launching a career in acting and singing." Meanwhile, Louis has moved across the pond to Los Angeles to be with his pregnant girlfriend, while Niall will (hopefully) continue to make out with former Disney stars.
Some suggestions for One Direction ballads to listen to while weeping at your desk today: "If I Could Fly," "Love You Goodbye," "Steal My Girl," "Night Changes," "You & I," and finally, "Gotta Be You."
Update: A source tells Billboard that "nothing has changed regarding hiatus plans for the group, and all will be revealed in due time for the band members' own mouths." In even better news, there's also another single expected to drop from the band's most recent album, Made in the A.M. Below, the original post.