A day after rumors began swirling online about a possible end to One Direction's impossibly long reign over pop music, member Niall Horan confirmed the news on Twitter. Sort of.

Addressing the rumors of an impending split head-on, Niall wrote in a succession of tweets: "Ok so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year. Don't worry though, we still have lots we want to achieve ! Can't wait for you to hear all the new music we have for you and to perform Some new songs as the [tour] continues! Love you all xx."

Father-to-be Louis Tomlinson also tweeted, echoing Niall's sentiments that a permanent break isn't part of the plan.

While they both specifically note that the four remaining members of One Direction have every intention of getting back together at some point in the distant future, there's no telling when that may be, what form it'll take or, truthfully, if it'll even happen at all.

It's understandable, though. One Direction's current schedule -- writing and recording an album, usually while on tour, endlessly promoting said album and then doing it all over again -- has failed to change in the five years they've been a band. An eventual burnout was expected. It's remarkable that it took five years for them to show any real cracks in their united facade.

Fans have, largely, reacted to the news with exuberance -- to many, this feels like a confirmation that One Direction may remain together for eternity. And, truthfully, Niall does literally refute claims that the group is breaking up. But considering the way past boybands have consistently refused to ever announce an official end, it's tough not to succumb to cynicism here.

Who knows -- maybe One Direction will be the one boyband to escape the Kiss-of-Death that often comes with an extended hiatus. It wouldn't be the first time they surprised us.

See Photos of One Direction Through the Years

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