Mother's Milk took a deep breath and forced down the panic inside him. He played along with Homelander, trying to sound respectful and fervent.
"Yes, yes, I'm Hughie's friend, and I'm also a devoted fan of yours! I was so excited and nervous to see you that I got a little carried away. Sorry, sorry."
Homelander nodded in satisfaction, glanced back inside the tent, and said kindly:
"It's all right. Fans always get excited when they see me. Hughie's inside drying himself off and getting changed. Just wait a little longer. He'll be right out. But please cooperate with the guards and stop shouting, all right?"
"Yes, of course. I understand. Thank you, Mr. Homelander!"
Mother's Milk hurriedly nodded and bowed. All he wanted now was for Homelander to leave quickly and stop watching him.
Homelander smiled, said nothing more, and turned to walk off to the side.
The men and women by the path instantly swarmed him, frantically greeting him and asking for autographs. Cheers and screams rose one after another, instantly drowning out the commotion here.
Mother's Milk stood where he was, his eyes fixed on the tent entrance. As he watched the people who had taken part in the baptism emerge one after another, he grew increasingly anxious.
But he didn't dare shout again. He could only pray silently, Hughie, hear me already. Come out!
What he didn't know was that Hughie had actually heard his calls long ago.
But back inside the tent, his phone had been soaked in the baptismal pool and filled with water. It wouldn't turn on at all, so he couldn't contact Mother's Milk.
Besides, this was his only chance to get close to Ezekiel. He couldn't waste it.
Seeing that "Ezekiel" was about to turn and leave, Hughie gritted his teeth