[Shinji nods along with the tropical theme, at least at first. They had him in the first half, they really did. And then Haruhi says 'tropical animals'.]

Wait, animals? They brought animals into the school?

[He immediately thought of giraffes and monkeys.]

How were you having a tea party with a bunch of wild animals in the room? Wouldn't they make a huge mess?

[Shinji's going to be stuck on this for a bit. The last time he heard about anyone bringing animals to school, it was fourth grade and one of their classmates tried to smuggle in her hamster.]

And what do you mean costumes? They didn't make you wear anything weird, did they?