Many have been shocked and surprised by the news that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction. The band has been together for five years, so we’re all wondering what will happen now that the famous quintet is down to four. But no matter how you feel about One Direction – excited, indifferent disgusted – you’ll definitely be surprised by this new, exclusive news.

It seems that the One Direction members have decided the band is just not the same without five voices. After all, what kind of boy band only has four members? “Without Zayn,” Louis Tomlinson is quoted as saying, “it just won’t be the same, you know? Without him, there’s just not enough variety.” And many fans agree. Zayn was objectively the best member of One Direction, and he has to be replaced by someone memorable.

Ever since the rumors of 1D’s split began circulating, there has been mass speculation as to exactly who would fill the empty spot. There are just so many options: Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Mr. Highsmith – the possibilities are endless! But it looks like the rumors will have to stop now, because the new fifth member has finally been confirmed.

Harry Styles tweeted almost seconds almost seconds after the decision was made

That’s right.

It looks like the 34-year-old pop star is going back on his old ways – after leaving the band NSync at the height of its popularity 13 years ago, he’s returning to the boy band world to keep One Direction going, and maybe make it even better. We’re all sad about Zayn, but let’s be optimistic and look forward to the next album, which Niall Horan hints will be released in early 2016.