SIX - One Direction

63

The studio lights gleam down on them as the crowd bursts into cheers. Walking onto The Ellen DeGeneres Show set, Alex and the boys wave, their smiles wide but a little tense. The past few days have been a whirlwind—interviews, album promo, and the impending hiatus announcement looming over their heads. But Ellen's warm demeanor immediately starts to chip away at the nerves. She's one of the few hosts who feels more like a friend than a journalist, and tonight, they're grateful for her humor.

The six of them settle onto the oversized white couch, Alex sandwiched between Niall and Harry, while Louis sprawls on the far end, legs crossed like he owns the place.

"Welcome back!" Ellen exclaims, her grin as radiant as ever. "You're some of my favorite guests, you know that?"

"Aren't we just?" Louis quips, earning laughs from the audience and the group.

"Well, Made in the A.M. is already topping charts everywhere," Ellen continues, holding up the album. "I've had it on repeat all week—it's brilliant."

"Thanks, Ellen," Liam says, his polite warmth shining through. "Means a lot coming from you."

Ellen leans forward slightly, her expression softening but her tone mischievous. "Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room. The album is amazing, but you've also announced... a 'hiatus.'" She air-quotes the word, eyebrows raised. "Now, come on—what's this about? You're not actually breaking up, are you?"

The room falls quiet for a split second, and Alex feels the shift as everyone glances at each other. Niall's the first to break the silence, his easy charm kicking in.

"Nah, not breaking up," he says, shaking his head. "We just need a breather, y'know? It's been nonstop since we started, and—what's it been now? Five years?"

"Feels like fifty," Louis mutters, smirking.

The audience laughs, and Ellen chuckles along. "So, what's the plan, then? A year off? Two? Five?"

Harry shifts in his seat, his expression thoughtful. "We're not putting a number on it, really. Just some time to... live a bit. Write. Explore. We've given everything we've got to this band, and it's been incredible. But I think we all agree that stepping away for a bit will let us come back stronger. If we come back."

That last sentence hangs in the air, and Ellen picks up on it immediately. "*If*? Harry Styles, don't you dare tease the fans like that!"

He flashes a cheeky grin. "Alright, alright—*when*. Happy?"

"Better," Ellen replies, mock-stern. "Alex, what about you? You've been along for the ride with these lads. Are you feeling the need for a break, or could you keep going?"

Alex hesitates, then smiles softly. "I think we all need the break. As much as I love this—performing, creating, touring—it's a lot. And if we don't take care of ourselves now, we won't be able to give our best later. Plus, they're a handful." She jerks her thumb at Louis, who gasps in mock offense.

"A handful?!" Louis exclaims. "I'm the easiest one here! Niall, back me up."

Niall just shakes his head, laughing. "Mate, you're the reason we're *all* taking a break."

Ellen claps her hands together. "Alright, alright, enough roasting each other for a moment. Let's lighten the mood, shall we?"

They groan collectively, knowing what's coming. "What's it this time?" Louis asks, his tone half-exasperated, half-amused.

Ellen's grin widens as she signals to the stage crew. Out comes a massive wheel labeled "Tattoo Roulette," and the crowd erupts into laughter and cheers.