Over the last several years, One Direction has become one of the most popular music groups in the world. At a time when everyone thought boys bands were nothing more than a thing of the past, the group managed to rise to the top and stun millions of fans. However, their road to success certainly hasn’t been without its bumps. The group has had to deal with countless rumors, and the loss of Zayn Malik who chose to leave the band earlier this year. Amidst talk that the group may be done for good, Harry Styles and the rest of the guys of One Direction have decided to take a hiatus to work on their solo projects. However, a source close to the group insists that they will come back together and continue to release new music. Still, fans are wondering how exactly One Direction plans to use their time off. While no one can know for sure, here are 10 things One Direction will do on their extended hiatus.

At least one member will start a relationship that everyone will call publicity stunts

Let’s be real, we’ve all seen it dozens of times – and while most celebrities will never admit to entering a relationship just for the publicity, everyone knows it happens. Although taking a hiatus may seem like a good idea at first, there’s no doubt that the boys will eventually get bored, and with boredom comes bad decisions. There’s a good chance that one of the members of One Direction will strike up a completely unlikely romance with a random female celebrity, and nobody will believe the relationship is legitimate.

Get caught up in some sort of scandal

What’s a boy band without a scandal? Whether it be getting arrested for using drugs, or getting caught paying for sexual favors – one of One Direction’s members will probably find himself in a sticky situation. Let’s just hope it’s nothing some good press and a few apologetic Instagram posts can’t fix.

Disappear

There are very few stars who can disappear from the spotlight and pop back up like nothing ever happened. Sure, One Direction is one of the biggest groups, but the public has a very short memory and in just a few months, lots of people are going to be saying “what ever happened to One Direction.” Plus, there’s a chance the group may not ever retire from this little ‘hiatus.’

Try to start acting careers

Singers wanting to be actors is something that has been happening for years. While some stars have found it impossible to find success in multiple areas. Others have become just as famous for one thing as they have for another. But if you think One Direction is annoying now, wait until they start popping up on your TV screen.

Make terrible solo material

No matter how successful a music group is, there comes a time where the members must explore their options as solo artists. Unfortunately, there are very few people who start off in a group who can make it as a solo artist. Although all of the members in One Direction seem to be talented, experiencing their work as a solo artist may be completely different. It’s actually kind of scary to think about what some of them may sound like when they decide to strike out on their own.

Realize they’re better as a group

Of course, after they realize a bunch of terrible solo material that no one wants to hear, they’ll realize that they are much better as a group. Unfortunately, they’ll also probably realize that being in a boy band when you’re in your 20s isn’t as cool as it sounds. Plus, there’s always that one person who actually is better off as a solo artist, and they’ll be the one who decides to crush every One Direction dream.

Start rapping

It’s almost inevitable. In every boy band, there’s that person who secretly wants to be a rapper. Seeing as how rappers can be some of the coolest people in the music industry, it’s not hard to see why – but it’s also not hard to see that everything ain’t for everybody. Only time will tell which remember emerges with a sudden interest in rap, but just prepare yourself for the fact that it might come.

One member will probably become a judge on some terrible reality competition series

The group may be taking a little break from recording and touring, but in order to remain relevant it’s important that stars always make themselves available to the public. With that being said, what better way is there for a star to get constant press than to be the judge of a TV competition show. But as most people know, all of these shows were not created equal, and there have been several flops over the years.

Gain weight

Now that the group will not be touring or practicing, there’s no doubt that at least one member will pack on a few extra pounds. That’s right, be prepared to see plenty of paparazzi photos of your favorite One Direction member walking around the streets looking like they need to be running instead.

Find a new direction

There’s no way anyone can take away all of the great things that One Direction has accomplished. They’ve definitely proven that they’ve got what it takes to be superstars and work hard to reach and end goal. Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end, and it may be time for One Direction to realize that there’s much more out there.  Maybe if these dudes follow their own direction, they might be able to make names for themselves as individuals.

(Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Rays of Sunshine)