"You should've seen them, Stella. They were...amazing."

That night at home, Vivo was talking with Stella on the roof.

Stella replied, "Ricky and Lola, right? I believe I saw them practicing in Anabelle's dance studio yesterday. They certainly have talent."

Vivo added, "It's not just them; the beatboxer, the A Capella group...they were all so impressive."

Stella noticed his concern and tried to reassure him, "Everyone has their own talents, Vivo. Yours is no less impressive."

Vivo looked unsure, "But I can't help but feel...overwhelmed, Stella. Like we're in over our heads."

Stella shook her head, "Don't let fear make you forget your own worth, Vivo. You and Gabi have a unique act that people love."

Vivo confessed, "I just...I don't want to let Gabi down. She's really excited about this."

Stella said, "Then focus on that. Remember, the joy you two share in your performance is what makes it special."

Vivo questioned, "And if it's not enough?"

Stella advised, "Then you try again. Winning isn't everything, Vivo. It's the trying part that counts."

"But what if-"

Stella interrupted, "Vivo, there's no point in worrying about 'what if's'. Just be true to yourself and everything will fall into place."

Their conversation ended there, but Vivo's thoughts were far from settled.

However, Stella's words had given him a sense of calmness.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe being true to themselves was all they needed.

But...would Gabi agree?

That question would be answered the next day.

***

The following day, Gabi and Vivo found themselves back in the bustling rehearsal space.

A jazz band was mid-performance, their fingers flying over their instruments with practiced ease.

Gabi murmured, eyes wide as the last notes lingered in the air, "Wow, listen to that."

Vivo nodded, a frown creasing his brow.

"They're incredible."

Gabi turned to look at him, a determined spark in her eyes.

"We need to change our act, Vivo."

His eyes widened in surprise.

Did Gabi just say that they should change their act?

"Change our act? But we have a good act."

Gabi bit her lip, looking back at the band as they started up another lively tune.

"Yes, I know our act is good, but look at them, Vivo. They're amazing. And the salsa dancers yesterday, and the A Capella group...We need to stand out more."

Vivo frowned, remembering Stella's words.

"But Gabi, our act is already unique. It's us. It's what we love to do."

She shrugged, giving him a hopeful smile.

"I know our act is good, but there's no harm in trying something new, right? It might even help us benefit."

Vivo paused, considering her words.

Seeing her excitement, he finally nodded.

"Alright, let's give it a try."

But as they did try, their day quickly turned chaotic.

They tried incorporating complicated dance moves, but they tripped over their own feet.

They attempted to play different instruments in a different style than they usually did, but the sounds they produced were far from melodic.

Everything they tried ended in disaster.

As the day drew to a close, Gabi and Vivo found themselves back at the rehearsal space, exhausted and frustrated.

They collapsed onto a nearby bench, Gabi burying her face in her hands.

She murmured, voice muffled, "What were we thinking?"

Vivo placed a comforting hand on her back.

He gently said, "We were just trying something new."

They sat in silence, the sounds of the still-practicing band a stark reminder of their predicament.

Their act was a mess, the competition was quickly approaching, and they had no idea what to do next.

***

With each passing day, the competition drew nearer and their confidence seemed to wane further.

The duo was fraught with worry, and Gabi, with a forlorn look, expressed her concerns.

She asked with her voice barely above a whisper, "What if we're not good enough, Vivo? What if all our hard work, all our practice...isn't enough?"

Vivo, looking at Gabi, felt a pang of guilt.

He was the one who had agreed to change their act in the first place.

Gabi sighed, looking down at her hands, "Maybe we should've stuck to our original act. At least that was something we were confident about..."

Vivo felt her disappointment.

He wished he could tell her that it wasn't their fault.

That they were simply trying their best in an unfamiliar territory.

But he knew words wouldn't be enough to comfort her.

So, he simply gave her a couple of gentle clicks and clucks, along with a nice, fuzzy cuddle.

He was just hoping his actions of affection would provide some solace.

***

The following day, the duo decided to return to their original act.

It felt familiar, safe.

They knew what to do, how to move.

But even then, they couldn't shake off the doubt that had already taken root in their minds.

Gabi, while playing the keyboard, couldn't help but glance at the other performers practicing.

Their expressions, filled with confidence and determination, only seemed to deepen her insecurity.

And Vivo, despite his best efforts, found his performance faltering.

The notes he played seemed to lack their usual vigor, his movements uncoordinated.

Their practice session ended with a frustrated sigh from Gabi and a despondent look from Vivo.

As they packed their equipment away, the weight of their situation hung heavily between them.

Their act was no longer a source of joy, but a cause for stress.

And the worst part was, they still didn't know if they were good enough to stand against the incredible talents they'd seen.

Their self-doubt had now turned into a full-blown crisis of confidence, and they were left wondering if they had any chance of winning the competition at all.