The Qualifying Teams

The cafeteria was filled with chatter and the clatter of cutlery against plates as players from all over the world gathered. 

The Elite Five, along with the veteran team and their coach, sat together at one of the longer tables, still located near the dish-out area. It became their unofficial seats now—one that didn't leave a good taste in their mouths. 

"I can't believe it," Max grumbled, leaning back in his seat with a sigh. "No banana muffins today, too. I've been dreaming of eating it for days."

"We came early, too," Zheng muttered, slouching forward with his chin resting on his palm. "It's a tragedy."

Jimmy shot them both a disapproving look. "It's just muffins."

"You don't understand," Max cut in, wagging a finger. "Banana muffins are the fuel of champions."